Читать книгу The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence - Allan Cunningham - Страница 47

[I have heard the third verse of this very moving Prayer quoted by scrupulous men as a proof that the poet imputed his errors to the Being who had endowed him with wild and unruly passions. The meaning is very different: Burns felt the torrent-strength of passion overpowering his resolution, and trusted that God would be merciful to the errors of one on whom he had bestowed such o’ermastering gifts.]

O Thou unknown, Almighty Cause

Of all my hope and fear?

In whose dread presence, ere an hour

Perhaps I must appear!

If I have wander’d in those paths

Of life I ought to shun;

As something, loudly, in my breast,

Remonstrates I have done;

Thou know’st that Thou hast formed me,

With passions wild and strong;

And list’ning to their witching voice

Has often led me wrong.

Where human weakness has come short,

Or frailty stept aside,

Do Thou, All-Good! for such thou art,

In shades of darkness hide.

Where with intention I have err’d,

No other plea I have,

But, Thou art good; and goodness still

Delighteth to forgive.