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,