[Poems by Plato in] Essays including Biographies and Miscellaneous Pieces, in Prose and Poetry |
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LINES, WRITTEN UPON BEING EXAMINED IN SCHOOL STUDIES FOR THE PREPARATION OF A TEACHER. |
 | [Poems by Plato in] Essays |  |
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LINES, WRITTEN UPON BEING EXAMINED IN SCHOOL STUDIES FOR THE PREPARATION OF A TEACHER.
Teach me, O! Lord, the secret errors of my way,Teach me the paths wherein I go astray,
Learn me the way to teach the word of love,
For that's the pure intelligence above.
As well as learning, give me that truth forever—
Which a mere worldly tie can never sever,
For though our bodies die, our souls will live forever.
To cultivate in every youthful mind,
Habitual grace, and sentiments refined.
Thus while I strive to govern human heart,
May I the heavenly precepts still impart;
Oh! may each youthful bosom, catch the sacred fire,
And youthful mind to virtues throne aspire.
Now fifteen years their destined course have run,
In fast succession round the central sun;
How did the follies of that period pass,
I ask myself—are they inscribed in brass!
Oh! Recollection, speed their fresh return,
And sure 'tis mine to be ashamed and mourn.
“What shall I ask, or what refrain to say?
Where shall I point, or how conclude my lay?
So much my weakness needs—so oft thy voice,
Assures that weakness, and confirms my choice.
Oh, grant me active days of peace and truth,
Strength to my heart, and wisdom to my youth,
A sphere of usefulness—a soul to fill
That sphere with duty, and perform thy will.”
| [Poems by Plato in] Essays | |