146
BIRTH DAY.
THOU, whose kind hand, and ever watchful care,
Presents another year, and wakes my prayer,
Guide thou my steps, direct me in my course,
Crush vain resolves, and errors strengthen'd force;
Impart the meek desire, the hope sublime,
The thought that soars above the scenes of time,
The hand that toils untir'd for other's good,
And sets the seal to duty understood,
The humble heart, the sympathy sincere,
The smile for joy, for misery, the tear,
Balm for the wounded, for the drooping—aid,
A tranquil trust when ills of life invade,
The conscience clear, that leads to sweet repose,
And the warm thrill that pure devotion knows.
Let gratitude to those who kindly strew
My path with flow'rs, he uniform and new;
And still my spirit reach each fair degree
Of gratitude to those, and love to thee.
What shall I ask, or what refrain to say,
Where shall I point, or how conclude my lay?
So much my weakness needs; so much thy voice
Assures that weakness, and confirms my choice.
