Agar's Petition Poem by John Bowring

If we may breathe a prayer to Thee,
Our Father and our Friend,
Let neither wealth nor poverty
Our earthly steps attend.


But Thou, who knowest all, dost know
What's wisest-kindest-best;
We at Thy feet our off'rings throw,
Do Thou direct the rest.


Thou canst not grant our idle prayers,
When evil they intreat;
Though urged with sighs, implored with tears,
Thy mercy is too great.


Thou wilt deny us, Father! nought
That's good, or kind, or right,
Though never asked in word or thought-
Thy love is infinite.