Before thee, Father, now is gladly poured
The adoration of a grateful heart,
Since thou didst send my brother and my Lord
To teach me who I am, and what thou art:
That men are not the slaves of doom and fear,
But children of thy love, deemed worthy of thy care.
The timid bird that glances 'mid the leaves.
Or sails securely underneath the sky,
Nor fills the air with joy, nor wounded grieves.
But thou dost note it with a watchful eye;
All creatures are thine offspring, great and small,
But man, who comprehends, thou lovest best of all.
The gorgeous flower that lifts its silent face,
Courting the notice of the passer-by,
From thee received its symmetry and grace,
And from thy pencil its harmonious dye;
Teaching my soul to beautifully live.
Since thou art beautiful, who dost such beauty give.
