Like Hermit Poor-- May 22, 1770
1
Like Hermit poor in Pensive place obscure
I mean to spend my days of endless doubt
To wait such woes as time cannot secure
Where none but Love shall ever find me out
And at my Gates despair shall linger still
To let in Death when Love & Fortune Will
2
A Gown of Gray my Body shall attire
My staff of broken hope whereon I’ll stay
Of late Repentance linked with long desire
The couch is framed whereon my limbs I lay
And at my Gates & c
3
My food shall be of care and sorrow made
My drink nought else but tears fal’n from mine eyes
And for my light in this obscure shade
The Flames may serve which from my heart arise
And at my Gate & c