Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Arthur Quiller-Couch, comp. The Oxford Book of Victorian Verse. 1922.

Last Prayer

Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)

BEFORE the beginning Thou hast foreknown the end,

Before the birthday the death-bed was seen of Thee:

Cleanse what I cannot cleanse, mend what I cannot mend,

O Lord All-Merciful, be merciful to me.

While the end is drawing near I know not mine end;

Birth I recall not, my death I cannot foresee:

O God, arise to defend, arise to befriend,

O Lord All-Merciful, be merciful to me.