Gentle Pilgrim, tell me why Dost thou fold thine arms and sigh; And wistful cast thine eyes around: Whither, Pilgrim, art thou bound? The road to Zion's gates I seek, If thou canst inform me, speak. Keep you right-hand path with care, Though crags obstruct and brambles tear; You just discern a narrow track, Enter there, and turn not back. Say where that pleasant path-way leads, Winding down yon flowery meads; Song and dance the way beguiles, Every face is drest in smiles. Shun with care that flowery way, 'T will lead thee, Pilgrim, far astray. Guide or counsel do I need? Pilgrim, he who runs may read. Is the way that I must keep Cross'd by waters wide and deep? Did it lead thro' floods and fire, Thou must not stop -- thou must not tire. Till I have my journey past, Tell me, will the day-light last? Will the sky be bright and clear Till the evening shades appear? Tho' the sun now rides so high, Clouds may veil the evening sky: Fast sinks the sun, fast wears the day, Thou must not stop -- thou must not stay, God speed thee, Pilgrim, on thy way. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONG:SO WHY DOES THIS DEAD CARNATION by HAYDEN CARRUTH TO THE FAIR CLARINDA, WHO MADE LOVE TO ME by APHRA BEHN CONCORD HYMN; SUNG AT COMPLETION OF CONCORD MONUMENT, 1836 by RALPH WALDO EMERSON ON MY FIRST DAUGHTER by BEN JONSON JACK AND JILL (1) by MOTHER GOOSE TO GOD AND IRELAND TRUE by ELLEN O'LEARY |