LESSON 68 The Orphan Boy's Tale
Stay, lady! Stay, for mercy's sake, And hear a helpless orphan's tale; Ah! sure my looks must pity wake 'Tis want that makes my cheek so pale. Yet I was once a mother's pride, And my brave father's hope and joy; But in the Nile's proud fight he died, And I am now an orphan boy. Poor foolish child! how pleased was I, When news of Nelson's victory came, Along the crowded streets to fly, And see the lighted windows flame! To force me home my mother sought She could not bear to see my joy; For with my father's life 'twas bought, And made me a poor orphan boy. The people's shouts were long and loud My mother, shuddering, closed her ears; "Rejoice! rejoice!" still cried the crowd My mother answered with her tears. "Oh, why do tears steal down your cheek,"