Balaam's Prayer

NUMBERS xxiii. 10
"Let me die the death of the Righteous, and let my last end be like his."
HOW vain, O Balaam! is thy prayer,
How fruitless thy desires!
The good man's peace in death to share,
The good man's life requires.
As vain their wish who through their days,
A wicked course have run,
Yet dare their hopes to Heav'n to raise,
Just when that course is done.
Too blindly vent'rous, they prepare
No other shield 'gainst death,
But idly trust to Balaam's pray'r,
Pronounced with parting breath.
Instead of God's pure word in view,
To guide their steps aright,
An ignis fatuus they pursue,
That shines with treach'rous light.
Oh! fatal error! found too late,
In realms of endless pain;
For ever lost that blissful state,
They thought a wish could gain.