OH! hear a pensive prisoner's prayer,

For liberty that sighs;

And never let thine heart be shut

Against the wretch's cries.

For here forlorn and sad I sit,

Within the wiry grate;

And tremble at th' approaching morn,

Which brings impending fate.

If e'er thy breast with freedom glow'd,

And spurn'd a tyrant's chain,

Let not thy strong oppressive force

A free-born mouse detain.

Oh! do not stain with guiltless blood

Thy hospitable hearth;

Nor triumph that thy wiles betray'd

A prize so little worth.

The scatter'd gleanings of a feast

My frugal meals supply;

But if thine unrelenting heart

That slender boon deny,

The cheerful light, the vital air,

Are blessings widely given;

Let nature's commoners enjoy

The common gifts of heaven.