| 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. |
