Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
136 . PrayerO Thou Dread Power
O T
I know thou wilt me hear,
When for this scene of peace and love,
I make this prayer sincere.
Long, long be pleas’d to spare; To bless this little filial flock, And show what good men are. With tender hopes and fears, O bless her with a mother’s joys, But spare a mother’s tears! In manhood’s dawning blush, Bless him, Thou God of love and truth, Up to a parent’s wish. With earnest tears I pray— Thou know’st the snares on ev’ry hand, Guide Thou their steps alway. O’er Life’s rough ocean driven, May they rejoice, no wand’rer lost, A family in Heaven!