My second could never produce ray first

My second could never produce ray first,
Though its opposite frequently may ;
Tis a thing that's trampled upon and cursed,
So tell me its name, I pray.

In my whole both my second and first you would see,
With more of the latter than pleasant ;
A treat I consider this latter to be,
Though, like all earthly good, evanescent.

Above my second \ is commonly borne,
Though carefully kept below it ;
Full many a home it has caused to mourn,
And the newspaper accidents show it.

When my second is looking its dullest and worst,
And my whole must be dreary indeed,
Like a hard-hearted tyrant comes forth my first,
With whom it were vain to plead.