On the Author's LYING-IN, AUGUST, 1785.
18th Century Elizabeth Hands EnglishOn the Author's LYING-IN, AUGUST, 1785.
O God, the giver of all joy, Whose gifts no mortal can destroy, Accept my grateful lays: My tongue did almost ask for death, But thou did'st spare my lab'ring breath, To sing thy future praise.
I live! my God be prais'd, I live, And do most thankfully receive, The bounty of my life: I live, still longer to improve, The fondest husband's tender love, To the most happy wife.
I live within my arms to clasp, My infant with endearing grasp, And feel my fondness grow: O God endow her with thy grace, And heav'nly gifts, to hold a place Among thy Saints below.
May she in duty, as she ought, By thy unerring precepts taught, To us a blessing prove: And thus prepar'd for greater joys, May she, with thine elect arise To taste the joys above.