For works with similar titles, see Beauty.
Hymn XI. Beauty Christopher Smart
1771
HYMN XI.
BEAUTY.
For a Damsel.
Christ, keep me from the self — survey
Of beauties all thine own;
If there is beauty, let me pray
And praise the Lord alone.
5Pray — that I may the fiend withstand,
Where'er his serpents be;
Praise — that the Lord's almighty hand
Is manifest in me.
It is not so — my features are
10 Much meaner than the rest;
A glow-worm cannot be a star,
And I am plain at best.
Then come, my love, thy grace impart,
Great Saviour of mankind;
15O come, and purify my heart,
And beautify my mind.
Then will I thy carnations nurse,
And cherish every rose;
And empty to the poor my purse,
20 Till grace to glory grows.
1771
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This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago. |
