University of Virginia Library

Illume my subject! tune my voice to sing!
Oh, thou who rid'st upon the whirlwind's wing,
(Majestic darkness!) or, in glory's beam,
Dwell'st inapproachable with light supreme!
If sweet philanthropy employs my care,
Hear, thou! on high th' undissipated pray'r!
Inspire my tongue to sing the wond'rous plan,
A world created for thy image, man.