But ill apply'd to such a rugged task; In sweet disorder lost, she blush'd consent. Amaz'd, and scarce believing what she heard, THE UNIVERSAL PRAYER. BY POPE. FATHER of all! in ev'ry age In ev'ry clime ador'd, By saint, by savage, and by sage, Thou great first cause, least understood; Who all my sense confin'd To know but this, that thou art good, Yet gave me, in this dark estate, And, binding-nature fast in fate, Left free the human will. What conscience dictates to be done, Or warns me not to do, This, teach me more than hell to shun, What blessings thy free bounty gives, For God is paid when man receives, T' enjoy is to obey. Yet not to earth's contracted span Let not this weak, unknowing hand And deal damnation round the land If I am right, thy grace impart, If I am wrong, oh teach my heart Save me alike from foolish pride, At aught thy wisdom has deny'd, Teach me to feel another's woe, That mercy I to others show, Mean though I am, not wholly so, This day, be bread and peace my lot: All else beneath the sun, Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, And let thy will be done. To thee, whose temple is all space, One chorus let all beings raise! All nature's incense rise! r A FATHER'S ADVICE TO HIS SON. BY G. COOPER. DEEP in a grove by cypress shaded, A swain, tow'rds full-ag'd manhood wending, The father's eyes no object wrested, My youth's first hope, my manhood's treasure, Nor fear rebuke, or sour displeasure, "Some truths from long experience flowing, Worth more than royal grants, receive; For truths are wealth of Heaven's bestowing, Which kings have seldom power to give. "Since from an ancient race descended, You boast an unattainted blood, By yours be their fair fame attended, "In love for every fellow-creature "Be thine the generous heart that borrows "This is the temper most endearing, Though wide proud pomp her banner spread; And heavenly pow'r Good-nature bearing, Each heart in willing thraldom leads. "Taste not from Fame's uncertain fountain "The princely pine on hills exalted, Whose lofty branches cleave the sky, By winds, long brav'd, at last assaulted, Is headlong whirl'd in dust to lie; |