Here all my better faculties confine,

And be this hour of sacred silence thine.

If, by the day’s illusive scenes misled,

My erring soul from virtue’s path has stray’d;

Snar’d by example, or by passion warm’d,

Some false delight my giddy sense has charm’d;

My calmer thoughts the wretched choice reprove,

And my best hopes are centred in thy love.

Depriv’d of this, can life one joy afford?

Its utmost boast a vain unmeaning word.