Page:Poetical Works of John Oldham.djvu/248

238 Pardon, if I in aught did thee blaspheme, Or injure thy pure sacred name: Accept unfeigned repentance, prayers, and vows, The best atonement of my penitent humble muse, The best that heaven requires, or mankind can produce. All my attempts hereafter shall at thy devotion be, Ready to consecrate my ink and very blood to thee. Forgive me, ye blest souls that dwell above, Where you by its reward the worth of virtue prove; Forgive, if you can do't, who know no passion now but love. And you unhappy, happy few, Who strive with life, and human miseries below, Forgive me too, If I in aught disparaged them, or else discouraged you. Blessed Virtue! whose almighty power Does to our fallen race restore All that in Paradise we lost, and more; Lifts us to heaven, and makes us be The heirs and image of the deity. Soft gentle yoke! which none but resty fools refuse, Which before freedom I would ever choose.