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Amelia Opie - The Orphan Boy`s Tale
Work rating: Low

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, clos`d her ears;
"Rejoice! rejoice!" still cried the crowd;
My mother answered with her tears.

"Why are you crying thus," said I,
"While others laugh and shout for joy?"
She kiss`d me -- and with such a sigh!
She called me her poor orphan boy.

"What is an orphan boy?" I cried,
As in her face I look`d and smil`d;
My mother through her tears replied,
"You`ll know too soon, ill-fated child!"

And now they`ve toll`d my mother`s knell,
And I`m no more a parent`s joy;
O lady, -- I have learnt too well
What `tis to be an orphan boy.

Oh! were I by your bounty fed!
Nay, gentle lady, do not chide,--
Trust me, I mean to earn my bread;
The sailor`s orphan boy has pride.

Lady, you weep! -- ha? -- this to me?
You`ll give me clothing, food, employ
Look down, dear parents! look and see
Your happy, happy orphan boy!
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