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!