Sketches in Verse

y felon, of his crime is clear:
Dismay'd confus'd, he feels alas! too late,
Such impious conduct greatly aggravate;
Besides he answers at the awful day,
For causing others from the truth to stray.
Whatever happens in this vale of tears,
Our Maker knows, give him your fervent prayers:
Let your demeanor if in prison be,
Such as the jailor can contrition see;
For his report may mitigate your doom,
And sometimes save you from a prison's gloom.
Religious books if you can read attend,
They are in solitude the pris'ner's friend;
When at the Chapel, do not cast away,
By inattention what the Chaplain say:
It's pure Religion cheers each good man's heart,
And will in time its blessings soon impart;
Such as perhaps you never knew before,
And doubtless will your peace of mind restore.
The Bible read, when in your dismal cell,
Read it attentive ere you bid farewell;
To him who may companion with you be;
Your soul that night may be requi