The Blind Boy.

O say !  what is that thing call’d light,1
                        
                        Which I must ne’er enjoy ;2
                        
                        What are the blessings of the sight,3
                        
                        O tell your poor blind boy !4
                        You talk of wond’rous things you see,5
                        
                        You say the sun shines bright ;6
                        
                        I feel him warm, but how can he7
                        
                        Or make it day or night ?8
                        My day or night myself I make,9
                        
                        Whene’er I sleep or play ;10
                        
                        And could I ever keep awake11
                        
                        With me t’were always day.12
                        With heavy sighs I often hear13
                        
                        You mourn my hapless woe ;14
                        
                        But sure with patience I can bear15
                        
                        A loss I ne’er can know.16
                        Then let not what I cannot have17
                        
                        My cheer of mind destroy ;18
                        
                        Whilst thus I sing, I am a king,19
                        
                        Although a poor blind boy.20