Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 16. A Prayer under the Pressure of Violent Anguish |
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| O THOU Great Being! what Thou art, | |
| Surpasses me to know; | |
| Yet sure I am, that known to Thee | |
| Are all Thy works below. | |
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| Thy creature here before Thee stands, | 5 |
| All wretched and distrest; | |
| Yet sure those ills that wring my soul | |
| Obey Thy high behest. | |
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| Sure, Thou, Almighty, canst not act | |
| From cruelty or wrath! | 10 |
| O, free my weary eyes from tears, | |
| Or close them fast in death! | |
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| But, if I must afflicted be, | |
| To suit some wise design, | |
| Then man my soul with firm resolves, | 15 |
| To bear and not repine! | |
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