Here, in the temple, where with him I've
knelt, |
Whose love made earth appear a heaven to me; |
Here, where I lifted up my soul to God, |
That He had deign'd to make my lot so
bless'd; |
5 Here do I come, to offer up my grief |
Upon that altar where my gratitude |
Was often pour'd. My heart, though sorely bruised, |
Bows down resign'd. Bear with me, oh! my God; |
If in the bitterness of mortal wo, |
10 I've dared to murmur at thy high decree: |
Look on my babes, who now no father have, |
Save Thee. Oh! shield their helpless infancy |
From sin and danger, till thou calls't them hence; |
And give me strength to train them to thy will -- |
15 Submissive still, whate'er may be their lot. |
Chase from my memory the blessed past, |
When he, the cherish'd partner of my life, |
Supported, loved, and guided me on earth, |
Lest the remembrance tempt my soul to murmur |
20 At my changed fate, and I in agony |
Forget it was Thy will that he should die, |
And I remain a sorrower behind. |
Support me with the hope, the blessed hope |
That in Thy kingdom we shall meet again; |
25 Where no more partings are -- where tears are dried, |
And nought of earth remains -- save its pure love. |