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.

Pray — 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 Much 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; O 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, Till grace to glory grows.