Perversity

Ah how malignant was the fate that ruledO'er the creation of poor humankind!That sent him forth with passions fierce, unschooled,Of warnings heedless and to danger blind.Around him swarm a thousand enemiesWhom he with weapons all too weak must fight:Once beaten down how seldom doth he rise!How few escape the world's corroding blight!Yet may he triumph over every foeWhile yet he faithful to himself remains;But 'tis his greatest, most peculiar woeThat in himself a traitor lives and reigns,A spirit of Perverseness that misleads,And ever with its mischief taints his deeds.