Nor heeds the wandering steps of thoughtful man.

Here expiation, murder has appeased,
Treason and homicide have been forgiven,
Pious credulity her votaries eased,
Nor blamed th' indulgent majesty of heaven.

Some erring matron has her crimes disclosed,
Some father conscious of awak'ning fate,
Safe from revenge, hath innocence reposed,
Unseen and undisturbed at others' hate.

Some sorrowing virgin her complainings poured
With pious hope has many a pang relieved;
Here the faint pilgrim to his rest restored,
The scanty boon of luxury has received.

Sated with conquest from the noise of arms,
The aged warrior with his fame retired,
Careless of thirsty spoil,--of war's alarms--
Nor with imperial emulation fired.

Where once her orisons devotion paid
By fear, or hope, or reverence inspired,
The sad solicitude of youth allay'd,
And age in resignation calm attired.

The houseless cottager from wind severe,
His humble habitation oft has made;
Once gloomy penitence sat silent there,