University of Virginia Library


274

CHILDISH VESPERS.

Father! in thy loving sight,
Whether in the day or night,
Hither bend thy listening ear
And my supplication hear.
Though I'm but a little child,
Thy dear Son on children smiled,
And his spirit in my breast
Gives me hope in thee to rest.
As the night descends apace,
Fill its shadows with thy grace,
That, though seeing not, to me
All the world is full of thee.
As the moonbeams now illume
Every corner of my room,
May thy smile its grace impart,
And with joy pervade my heart.

275

Keep me sinless, Father, pray,
With thy truth about my way,
Touch my eyes, that I may see
Thou art with me constantly.
Through the gloom, enfolding all,
Thou canst hear me when I call;
Answer grant in love's increase,
And sweet consciousness of peace.