The poetical works of William Lisle Bowles ... with memoir, critical dissertation, and explanatory notes, by the Rev. George Gilfillan |
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 | The poetical works of William Lisle Bowles |  |
THE CHILDREN'S HYMN FOR THEIR PATRONESS.
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On God, whose eyes are over all,Who shows to all a father's care,
First, with each voice, we children call,
And humbly raise our daily prayer.
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And next, to her, who placed us here,The path of knowledge to pursue,
(Oh! witness all we have—a tear!)
Our heartfelt gratitude is due.
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Our parents, when they draw their breath,In pain, and to the grave descend,
Shall smile upon the bed of death,
To think their children have a friend.
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As slow our infant thoughts expand,And life unfolds its opening road,
We still shall bless the bounteous hand
That kind protection first bestowed.
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And still, with fervour we shall pray,When she to distant scenes shall go;
That God, in blessing, might repay
The blessings which to her we owe!
| The poetical works of William Lisle Bowles | |