Rondeau.
Hold Thou my hands a little while in thine—
Thy gentle, restful hands—O Life divine!
Cast out dark seeming and unquietness,
As mothers do their children's restlessness,
With unseen hand, which love and rest combine!
And when these inconsistent hands of mine,
To wayward selfishness and deeds incline,
With Thy all-might and tender-lovingness,
Hold Thou my hands!
And when I face the dark, and must resign
Love's tender, human touch; must disentwine
Its dear, detaining clasp; when fears depress,—
Those mortal fears I cannot quite repress,
For all my faith and trust,—O Love divine,
Hold Thou my hands!
