Thou stern but blest Instructor! Lessons harsh
Of thee I’ve learned, but strength’ning have they been:
And though thou bearest with thee record sad
Of my poor deeds, and goodness left undone,
That fills my heart with sorrow for the past,
Bright blessed hopes like angels hover round
This coming year.
Hail, then, thou unknown one!
I see proceeding from thee spirit forms;
They are my future hours, good or bad.