Hymn Poem by Maria Frances Cecilia Cowper

WHEN wing'd with gay prosperity
The hours unheeded flew,
A gracious God protected me
From ills I never knew.

Though louring skies on me descend,
And rugged paths I tread,
His 'friendly' staff shall still defend,
And lift my fainting head.

Sometimes along the briery way
Undaunted I shall go;
Amidst the thorns unwounded stray,
Nor heed the watchful foe.

Through ev'ry rayless providence
My strengthen'd steps pursue
The promise of Omnipotence,
A God for ever true.

When Night has canopied the sky,
We view the Milky Way:
So Faith can dart from earth her eye,
And find immortal day.