326. L. M. Beddome.
Inconstancy Lamented.
1The wandering star and fleeting wind
Are emblems of the fickle mind;
The morning cloud and early dew
Bring our inconstancy to view.
2But cloud and wind and dew and star,
Only a faint resemblance bear;
Nor can there aught in nature be
So changeable and frail as we.
3Our outward walk and inward frame
Are scarcely through an hour the same:
We vow, and straight our vows forget,
And then those very vows repeat.
4With contrite hearts, Lord, we confess
Our folly and unsteadfastness:
When shall these hearts more stable be,
Fixed by thy grace alone on thee?