Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WRITTEN A FEW HOURS BEFORE THE BIRTH OF A CHILD by JANE CAVE

First Line: MY GOD, PREPARE ME FOR THAT HOUR
Last Line: HAPLY EXPIRE WITH ME.
Subject(s): BIRTH; CHILD BIRTH; MIDWIFERY;
MY God, prepare me for that hour
When most thy aid I want;
Uphold me by thy mighty power,
Nor let my spirits faint.

I ask not life, I ask not ease,
But patience to submit
To what shall best thy goodness please,
Then come what thou seest fit.

Come pain, or agony, or death,
If such the will divine;
With joy shall I give up my breath,
If resignation's mine.

One wish to name I'd humbly dare,
If death thy pleasure be;
O may the harmless babe I bear
Haply expire with me.



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