Classic Poem

Encourag'd by thy father's care
Of human-kind, to thee I dare
Humbly my God to pray;
My wishes these, yet I submit,
Whether thy providence thinks fit
To give, or take away.

Subject me not to pinching want,
Nor yet excessive riches grant;
But from thy lib'ral store
Give not what luxury may desire,
But reason, nature's claims require,
Nor shall I ask for more.

While form'd to fear and fly from pain,
And loving pleasure seek to gain,
Ah! don't my weakness blame;
If health, success, be found to please,
More than misfortune and disease,
Such is my nature's frame.

If I might ask, I'd ask to send
A long-endear'd and trusty friend
To guide and comfort life;
And more to render bliss complete,
And love with equal love to meet,
A tender faithful wife.

'Bove all I'd ask a frame of mind,
That's pleas'd with good, to ill resign'd,
That knows each blessing thine,
And, while it freely can receive
Whate'er thy bounty deigns to give,
As freely can resign.

Though other gifts may be deny'd,
Yet O be this alone supply'd,
Without it all is vain;
Grant me, of virtue's joys possest,
And in religion's comforts blest,
Thy favour to attain.