An Ode on the New Year.
1
Lord of my life, inspire my song,
To Thee my noblest powers belong;
Grant me thy favourite seraph's flame,
To sing the glories of thy name.
2
My birth, my fortune, friends, and health,
My knowledge too, superior wealth!
Lord of my life, to Thee I owe;
Teach me to practise what I know.
3
Ten thousand favours claim my song,
And each demands an angel's tongue;
Mercy sits smiling on the wings
Of every moment as it springs.
4
But oh! with infinite surprise
I see returning years arise;
When unimprov'd the former score,
Lord, wilt thou trust me still with more!
5
Thousands this period hop'd to see;
Deny'd to thousands, granted me;
Thousands! that weep, and wish, and pray
For those rich hours I throw away.
6
The tribute of my heart receive,
'Tis the poor all I have to give;
Should it prove faithless, Lord, I'd wrest
The bleeding traitor from my breast.
