On the Instability of Youth

84 IMPR O VEMENT ERA .

Lee: "When our monuments shall be done away — when nations now existing shall be no more — when even our young and far-spreading empire shall have perished — still will our Washington's glory unfaded shine, and die not, until love of virtue cease on earth, or earth itself sink into chaos."

ON THE INSTABILITY OF YOUTH.

When I look back, and in myself behold The wandering ways that youth could not descry, And mark the fearful course that youth did hold, And mete in mind each step youth stray 'd awry; My knees I bow, and from my heart I call, 'O Lord, forget these sins and follies all!"

"For now I see how void youth is of skill, I also see his prime-time and his end; I do confess my faith and all my ill, And sorrow sore for that I did offend; And with a mind repentant of all crimes, Pardon I ask for youth, ten thousand times. *****

'Thou, that by power to life didst raise the dead, Thou, that of grace, restoredst the blind to sight, Thou, that for love thy life and love out-bled, Thou, that of favor madest the lame go right, Thou, that canst heal and help in all essays, Forgive the guilt that grew in youth's vain ways.

"And now since I, with faith and doubtless mind, Do fly to thee, by prayer to appease thine ire; And since, that thee I only seek to find And hope by faith to attain my just desire; Lord, mind no more youth's error and unskill; Enable age to do thy holy will."

Lord Vamp.