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Home  »  The Oxford Book of English Verse  »  855. Prayers

Arthur Quiller-Couch, ed. 1919. The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900.

Henry Charles Beeching. 1859–1919

855. Prayers

GOD who created me 
  Nimble and light of limb, 
In three elements free, 
  To run, to ride, to swim: 
Not when the sense is dim,         5
  But now from the heart of joy, 
I would remember Him: 
  Take the thanks of a boy. 
 
Jesu, King and Lord, 
  Whose are my foes to fight,  10
Gird me with Thy sword 
  Swift and sharp and bright. 
Thee would I serve if I might; 
  And conquer if I can, 
From day-dawn till night,  15
  Take the strength of a man. 
 
Spirit of Love and Truth, 
  Breathing in grosser clay, 
The light and flame of youth, 
  Delight of men in the fray,  20
Wisdom in strength’s decay; 
  From pain, strife, wrong to be free, 
This best gift I pray, 
  Take my spirit to Thee.