How should my ignorance not go astray,

How should my foolish lips not speak amiss

And ask for woe when fain they would ask bliss?

How shall I dare to prompt thee, the All-wise,

To show me kindness? Thou art ever kind.

What is my feeble craving in thine eyes

Which view the centuries vast, before, behind,

And sweep unnumbered worlds like viewless wind?

Thy goodness ordereth what thing shall be,

The wisdom knoweth even my inmost want;