English poem
Hope
by Christopher Smart (1722–1771)
Ah! Hannah, why should'st thou despair, Quick to the Tabernacle speed; There on thy knees prefer thy pray'r, And there thy cause to mercy plead.
Her pious breathings now ascend, As from her heart the sighs she heaves; And angels to her suit attend, Till strong in hope she now conceives.
Then Samuel soon was brought to light To serve the Lord, as yet a child — O what a heart — reviving sight! Sure Cherubims and Seraphs smil'd.
Thus yet a child may I begin, To serve the Lord with all my heart; To shun the wily lures of sin, And claim the prize, or e're I start.