WAS MAN MADE TO MOURN?
“Man was made to mourn.”
—Robert Burns.
From Eden barred, abased, forlorn
Man, some mortals say, was made to mourn.
(Some even think his wicked soul should burn!)
Of “sin original,” inoculated at the first,
His “scapegoat” race they hold accursed.
For Adam’s fault they’d make his offspring’s sweat,
For Eve’s one error do hateful penance yet.
Such silly cant—such canters—I could spurn!
Nay, nay, man was not made to mourn.
Joy, joy, presided at our birth;
Heaven sent great gladness upon earth.
Nature triumphed on our natal morn.
Creation thrilled when man was born!
Nay, nay; man was not made to mourn!
Discard that old familiar saw.
It is a rusty relic, dull and worn,
A heathen tool with many a flaw.
Nay, nay, it is a duty to be good;
It is religious to be glad!
O’er wrongs, o’er losses, wherefore brood?
’Tis wicked—sinful—to be sad!
Nay, nay; man was not made to mourn;
From Grief (that vile old sorceress) let us turn,
At Pleasure’s shrine, far holier, happier lessons, we shall learn.