A FRAGMENT. THE BLIND MAN. Ann Batten Cristall Alexander Huber Editor Bodleian Libraries, University of Oxford
Broad Street Oxford OX1 3BG UK
Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive
Taylor Institution Library St Giles' Oxford OX1 3NA UK info@eighteenthcenturypoetry.org https://www.eighteenthcenturypoetry.org/
Oxford This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. T126557 Cristall, Ann Batten. Poetical Sketches by Ann Batten Cristall. London Printed for J. Johnson, St. Paul's Church Yard 1795 pp. 115-118. [14],187,[1]p.; 8⁰.

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A FRAGMENT . THE BLIND MAN . SAY , reverend man , why 'midst this stormy night Wander'st thou darkling , and expos'd , alone ? Alas ! I would assist thee , though unknown . " Rash youth ! that GOD which robb'd my eyes of sight " Darts through my mind a ray of sacred light : " The winds I heed not , nor the lashing shower , " My sinewy frame is firm , my soaring mind has power . " This oaken-staff feels out the dangerous way : " 'Twas Heaven's fierce fire which swept my eyes away , " And left an orbless trunk , that knows nor night nor day . " Yet strong ideas rooted in my brain " Form there an universe , which doth contain " Those images which Nature's hand displays , " The heavenly arch , the morning's glowing rays ; " Mountains and plains , the sea by tempests hurl'd , " And all the grandeur of this glorious world ! " But , ah ! how wild drives on the rapid storm , Dashing the rain against thy reverend form ! Yon swelling river , foaming tow'rds the main , Smokes 'midst th' advancing waves and falling rain : O , father ! my young soul is shook within ; O! let me lead you from this horrid scene . " I yield ; — but let not fear thy mind deform , " Hark! 'tis GOD'S voice which urges on the storm ; " He to this world of elements gave form . " From them he moulded all , yet gave not peace , " But broke the harmony , and bade them rage ; " He meant not happiness should join with ease , " But varied joys and pains should all the world engage . "