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←I. Faith Hymn II. Hope
by Christopher Smart		 III. Charity→
From the Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1771).
Hymn2.png

                         HYMN II.                        

HOPE.

Ah! Hannah, why should'st thou despair,
      Quick to the Tabernacle speed;
There on thy knees prefer thy pray'r,
      And there thy cause to mercy plead.

5 Her pious breathings now ascend,
      As from her heart the sighs she heaves;
And angels to her suit attend,
      Till strong in hope she now conceives.

Then Samuel soon was brought to light
      10 To serve the Lord, as yet a child —[1]
O what a heart — reviving sight!
      Sure Cherubims and Seraphs smil'd.

Thus yet a child may I begin,
      To serve the Lord with all my heart;
15 To shun the wily lures of sin,
      And claim the prize, or e're I start. [2]


1771

Notes

The story of Hannah and the birth of her son Samuel (1 Sam. 1), was favorite of Smart's (see "Jubilato Agno", B458 etc.).
  1. ↑ 9—10. See 1 Sam. 2:11.
  2. ↑ 16. And claim the prize, or e're I start. — "e're" printed as "ere" in ed. 1772 and 1786, and "before" in ed, 1772a. Cf. Phil. 3:14: "I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus".


PD-icon.svg This work published before January 1, 1923 is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.







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