FATHER, I will not ask for wealth or fame, Though once they would have joyed my carnal sense: I shudder not to bear a hated name, Wanting all wealth, myself my sole defence. But give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth; A seeing sense that knows the eternal right; A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth; A manly faith that makes all darkness light: Give me the power to labor for mankind; Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; Eyes let me be to groping men, and blind; A conscience to the base; and to the weak Let me be hands and feet; and to the foolish mind; And lead still further on such as thy kingdom seek. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE UNIVERSITY OF GOTTINGEN by GEORGE CANNING NAMES by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE ODE TO ETHIOPIA by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE SURRENDER AT APPOMATTOX [APRIL 9, 1865] by HERMAN MELVILLE AT A SOLEMN MUSIC by JOHN MILTON |