Page:New poems and variant readings, Stevenson, 1918.djvu/21

 PRAYER

good things that I detest,

With speeches fair;

Heed not, I pray Thee, Lord, my breast,

But hear my prayer.

I say ill things I would not say—

Things unaware:

Regard my breast, Lord, in Thy day,

And not my prayer.

My heart is evil in Thy sight:

My good thoughts flee:

O Lord, I cannot wish aright—

Wish Thou for me.

O bend my words and acts to Thee,

However ill,

That I, whate'er I say or be,

May serve Thee still.