A Hymn to Resignation

Oh! from that high and lofty sphere Where thron'd in light you dwell; Sweet maid in all thy charms descend To gild my humble cell.

Thy presence heightens ev'ry bliss, Draws out the sting of woe; Allures to brighter worlds above, And makes a heav'n below.

The pilgrim roving all night long, Thro' dreary tracts forlorn; Oft sighs oppress'd and sighs again, The wish'd return of morn.

As I in sorrow's gloomy night, Condemn'd a while to stray; Look up with ardent eye to heav'n, And ask the devious way.

O! screen me from surrounding ills, Let dangers ne'er annoy, The arrow that in darkness flies Commission'd to destroy.

Inconstant as the idle wind, That sports with ev'ry flow'r; When earthly friends by turns drop off, Friends of our brighter hour.

Do thou blest cherub fill my breast, With all that's good and wise, Snatch me from earth's tumultuous scenes, And lead me to the skies.

There kindred spirits ne'er deceive, Soul mingles there with soul, Sweet sympathy and truth are there, And love cements the whole.

More welcome to this sorrowing heart, Oh pensive queen thy strain, Than all the joys mad riot gives, To sooth the clam'rous train.

You shade the poor man's evening walk. With wreathes of endless green; And when the lamp of life declines, You tend the last dread scene.

Oh! then from heav'n thy holy sphere, Where thron'd in light you dwell: Come Resignation, sainted maid, And gild my humble cell.