Poems (Frances Elizabeth Browne)/Self-examination
SELF-EXAMINATION.
While darkness shrouds thy mortal sight
In nature's solemn stillness, night,
These questions to thine heart apply,
And let it answer honestly.
In nature's solemn stillness, night,
These questions to thine heart apply,
And let it answer honestly.
What have I done that I should not?
That which I should have I forgot?
Have I done aught to mark my way,
Or, like the Roman, lost a day?
That which I should have I forgot?
Have I done aught to mark my way,
Or, like the Roman, lost a day?
Have I thought what I fain would hide,
When my heart's inmost depths are tried?
Or said what I should blush to appear,
When God, and man, and angels hear?
When my heart's inmost depths are tried?
Or said what I should blush to appear,
When God, and man, and angels hear?
Have I employed my tongue in praise
To Him whose mercy crowns my days?
Or thought of Him who gave me power
To think, that I might love him more?
To Him whose mercy crowns my days?
Or thought of Him who gave me power
To think, that I might love him more?
A day is added to my store,—
Who much receives should render more;
Since yesterday another given,—
To-day am I more fit for heaven?
Who much receives should render more;
Since yesterday another given,—
To-day am I more fit for heaven?