The Children's Hymn For Their Patroness. (From The Villager's Verse-Book.)

1 On God, whose eyes are over all, Who shows to all a father's care, First, with each voice, we children call, And humbly raise our daily prayer. 2 And next, to her, who placed us here, The path of knowledge to pursue, (Oh! witness all we have—a tear!) Our heartfelt gratitude is due. 3 Our parents, when they draw their breath, In pain, and to the grave descend, Shall smile upon the bed of death, To think their children have a friend. 4 As slow our infant thoughts expand, And life unfolds its opening road, We still shall bless the bounteous hand That kind protection first bestowed. 5 And still, with fervour we shall pray, When she to distant scenes shall go; That God, in blessing, might repay The blessings which to her we owe!