prayer—o thou dread power
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,