Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)/Beauty

by Christopher Smart

For works with similar titles, see Beauty.

HYMN XI.

BEAUTY.

For a Damsel.

Christ, keep me from the self — survey
Of beauties all thine own;
If there is beauty, let me pray
And praise the Lord alone.

5Pray — that I may the fiend withstand,
Where'er his serpents be;
Praise — that the Lord's almighty hand
Is manifest in me.

It is not so — my features are
10Much meaner than the rest;
A glow-worm cannot be a star,
And I am plain at best.

Then come, my love, thy grace impart,
Great Saviour of mankind;
15O come, and purify my heart,
And beautify my mind.

Then will I thy carnations nurse,
And cherish every rose;
And empty to the poor my purse,
20 Till grace to glory grows.

 

Notes