Since Thou Hast Given me this Good Hope, o God

Name: Since Thou Hast Given me this Good Hope, o God
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The work expresses a deep sense of gratitude and hope towards God, reflecting on the beauty of life and the assurance of love. The speaker acknowledges the divine gift of hope, which illuminates their journey through life, filled with nature's splendor and the passage of time. The imagery of "flowery sod," "great woods," and the transitions from dawn to dusk emphasizes the connection between the divine, nature, and human experience. The speaker articulates a desire for a life enriched by love, suggesting that this love transcends earthly existence and continues into the afterlife. The notion of "climbing above" signifies a quest for higher understanding and connection, moving beyond mundane existence to embrace a more profound spiritual reality. The repeated affirmation of love's presence indicates its central role in the speaker's life, providing comfort and companionship. As the speaker contemplates their mortality, they express a commitment to maintaining this bond of love until the end of their days. The relationship described is one of mutual understanding and emotional support, where laughter and tears are shared, highlighting the depth of connection. The imagery of "kind eyes" guiding the speaker suggests a nurturing presence that offers direction and solace. Overall, the work encapsulates themes of hope, love, and the spiritual journey, portraying a life that is not only lived but deeply felt, with an emphasis on the importance of companionship and the divine. The speaker's reflections serve as a meditation on the interplay between earthly experiences and the eternal, underscoring the significance of love as a guiding force throughout life's journey.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1891 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual/Religious, Romanticism · 202 words

First lines

SINCE thou hast given me this good hope, O God, That while my footsteps tread the flowery sod And the great woods embower me, and white dawn And purple even sweetly lead me on From day to day, and night to night, O God, My life shall no wise miss the light of love; But ever climbing, climb above Man's one poor star, man's supine lands, Into the azure steadfastness of death, My life shall no wise lack the light of love, My hands not lack the loving touch of hands; But day by day, while yet I draw my breath, And day by day, unto my last of years, I shall be one that has a perfect friend.

Her heart shall taste my laughter and my tears, And her kind eyes shall lead me to the end.

What this Textopian page supports

Since Thou Hast Given me this Good Hope, o God is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1891 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1891 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Spiritual/Religious, Romanticism, Philosophical, Inspirational
Length: 202 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Spiritual/Religious — The themes revolve around hope, love, and a connection to God.
Romanticism — The emphasis on nature, emotion, and personal experience aligns with Romantic ideals.
Philosophical — The exploration of life, death, and the human experience reflects philosophical themes.