 | Areytos or songs and ballads of the South |  |
415
NOT BLIND TO MINE OWN WEAKNESS.
Not blind to mine own weakness, which lacks powerTo save, though things most precious in mine eye
Sink, needing help, and vainly to me cry,
I cry to thee, O God! in this dark hour!
Spare us in mercy! Let thy chastening blows
Fall lightly on the bruised and suffering heart,
Already desolate! I have seen depart
All my life's dear ones; and a herd of woes
Have wolved on mine affections, till I move
Almost alone i' the forest. To my years
Be merciful; and to the woman's tears
Accord the one dear life that's left her love!
Spare it to us, even while thou mak'st it thine—
For the poor mother's sake, if not for mine!
| Areytos or songs and ballads of the South | |