OH! I must ever weep the years I've spent,
      Years, whose whole business and delight was love,
When, not an effort stirred those pinions, lent
     To spurn the ignoble crowd, and soar above.
Thou, who my errors and my crimes hast known,
     Great King of Heaven, eternal and unseen,
Aid my frail spirit, wandering here alone,
     And cleanse it, graciously, from every sin.
Grant that my life, 'mid storm and battle, spent,
     In peaceful haven, may at last repose;
If this be vain, whate'er its brief extent,
     Vouchsafe at least no ignominious close:
And oh! in death, do Thou, my portion, be,
For, Lord, Thou knowest, my hopes are all in Thee.

Project Canterbury