Thanksgiving.

William D. Howells.

Lord, for the erring thought

Not into evil wrought!

Lord, for the wicked will

Betrayed and baffled still!

For the heart from itself kept,

Our thanksgiving accept.

For ignorant hopes that were

Broken to our blind prayer;

For pain, death, sorrow, sent

Unto our chastisement;

For all loss of seeming good,

Quicken our gratitude.

Harper’s Magazine.