Classic Poem

Great God, whose pow'r o'er heaven and earth presides,
Whose eyes o'ersee me, and whose wisdom guides,
Deal me that portion of content and rest,
That unknown peace and health that suits me best;
Save me from all the guilt and all the pain
That thirst of pleasure brings, or thirst of gain;
In trial fix me, and in peril shade,
'Gainst foes protect me, 'gainst my passions aid;
With life's more sweet sensations warm my heart,
Transport to feel, benev'lence to impart
Each homefelt joy each public duty send,
Make me and give me all things in the friend.
But most protect, and guard me in a mind,
Not rashly bold , nor abjectly resign'd.
And oh! — when int'rest ev'ry virtue hides,
When error blinds, and prejudice misguides,
Alike thy grace, alike thy truth impart,
Beam on my soul, and triumph o'er my heart;
Here taught, that they who suffer are but try'd,
And they who wander still may find a guide;
Sanction with truth, reward with virtue join'd,
Life without end, and laws that teach the mind
Thy word, O God! my study and delight,
Task of my day, and transport of my night:
Thus let me live, unheard of or forgot,
My wealth contentment, silence — peace, my lot.