IN THE PROSPECT OF DEATH.
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I have heard the third verse of this very moving Prayer quoted byscrupulous men as a proof that the poet imputed his errors to theBeing who had endowed him with wild and unruly passions. The meaningis very different: Burns felt the torrent-strength of passionoverpowering his resolution, and trusted that God would be merciful tothe errors of one on whom he had bestowed such o'ermastering gifts.] O Thou unknown, Almighty CauseOf all my hope and fear?In whose dread presence, ere an hourPerhaps I must appear! If I have wander'd in those pathsOf 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 voiceHas 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 stillDelighteth to forgive. * * * * *
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