Anecdotes and Annals of the Deaf and Dumb

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1836 edition. Excerpt: ... worship of God, that their minds are enlightened about the Bible. They have several able preachers on the Sabbathday. To tell the truth they are not at present unfortunate beings."* 08) The following lines were composed by my brother, Richard John Theodore Orpen, Esq. in 1816, with the intention that they should be recited at the public meeting for the formation of the Society, by Thomas Collins, the first pupil, after he had been partially educated and taught to speak. Having been often ashed for iy various persons, they are here reprinted according to their wish. DEAF AND DUMB. With kind indulgence, hear in accents mild, The simple story of an Orphan Child; Oh I could my trembling tongue those feelings tell, Which now ray anxious throbbing bosom swell; Whilst memory paints those soft endearing charms, That once I knew within a mother's arms; When my fond father kiss'd his "rosy boy," And smiling seemed to speak of future joy. I next would tell the anguish which I prov'd, Deprived of all the friends on earth I loved; How when in tears I sought a sad relief, And wept, but found no tongue to tell my grief, Alone I wander'd upon nature's wild, And strayed, a homeless, speechless, Orphan Child! But now a language taught by pleasing art, I speak the dearest feelings of my heart; For my mute brethren my first accents plead, And claim for them your sympathy and aid: Obey that sacred voice, by ail possessed, The Still Small Voice Of Conscience in your breast; * Sixth Report of the American Asylum, at Hartford, Connecticut, 18.28, p. go. Awake their slumbering minds to virtue's lore, To know their God; and knowing to adore. And as responsive to the morning beam From lips of stone* harmonious accents came; So if the Sun Of Righteousness be...