Prayer

Great God, I ask for no meaner pelf 

Than that I may not disappoint myself, 

That in my action I may soar as high 

As I can now discern with this clear eye. 

And next in value, which thy kindness lends, 

That I may greatly disappoint my friends, 

Howe'er they think or hope that it may be, 

They may not dream how thou'st distinguished me. 

That my weak hand may equal my firm faith 

And my life practice what my tongue saith 

That my low conduct may not show 

Nor my relenting lines 

That I thy purpose did not know 

Or overrated thy designs.