PRAYER UNDER THE PRESSURE OF VIOLENT ANGUISH
I
O Thou Great Being! what Thou art
Surpasses me to know;
Yet sure I am, that known to Thee
Are all Thy works below.
II
Thy creature here before Thee stands,
All wretched and distrest;
Yet sure those ills that wring my soul
Obey Thy high behest.
III
Sure Thou, Almighty, canst not act
From cruelty or wrath!
O, free my weary eyes from tears,
Or close them fast in death!
IV
But, if I must afflicted be
To suit some wise design,
Then man my soul with firm resolves
To bear and not repine!
