again in folly's part might go astray;
again exalt the brute and sink the man;
then how should i for heavenly mercy pray
who act so counter heavenly mercy's plan?
who sin so oft have mourn'd, yet to temptation ran?
o thou, great governor of all below!
if i may dare a lifted eye to thee,
thy nod can make the tempest cease to blow,
or still the tumult of the raging sea:
with that controlling pow'r assist ev'n me,
those headlong furious passions to confine,
for all unfit i feel my pow'rs to be,
to rule their torrent in th' allowed line;
o, aid me with thy help, omnipotence divine!