The following lines are chiefly interrogatory, and cordially invite answer in rhyme on the subject they broach, from any "whom it may concern."
What is it that leads us so astray?
We know the right, but do the wrong:
Shunning the "strait and narrow way,"
In devious paths behold earth's throng!
We are not deaf, nor are we blind:
We know how fatal is the way;
But something base in mortal mind
Makes virtuous purpose easy prey.
Is it the brute that in us lies
Crouching like hungry tiger there,
Ready to bound with fiery eyes
On what we would that's good and fair?
All dust is frail, all flesh is weak;
Such are the white-souled "Whittier's words;
And howsoe'er we goodness seek,
Unholy promptings come in herds.
Temptation runs us wholly down,
And vice and evil mock our will;
On wrongs and sins we stoutly frown,
But wrongs and sins subdue us still.
In our despair we cry aloud:
Must man forever yield to guile—
His days in degradation shroud,
And ne'er wipe out the serpent's trail? —
