Explore "Prayer-O Thou Dread Power" by Robert Burns on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
Lying at a reverend friend's house one night, the author left the following verses in the room where he slept: -
O Thou dread Power, who reign'st above, / I know thou wilt me hear, / When for this scene of peace and love, / I make this prayer sincere.
The hoary Sire-the mortal stroke, / Long, long be pleas'd to spare; / To bless this little filial flock, / And show what good men are.
She, who her lovely offspring eyes / With tender hopes and fears, / O bless her with a mother's joys, / But spare a mother's tears!
Their hope, their stay, their darling youth. / In manhood's dawning blush, / Bless him, Thou God of love and truth, / Up to a parent's wish.
The beauteous, seraph sister-band- / With earnest tears I pray- / Thou know'st the snares on ev'ry hand, / Guide Thou their steps alway.
When, soon or late, they reach that coast, / O'er Life's rough ocean driven, / May they rejoice, no wand'rer lost, / A family in Heaven!