Lord, make me tolerant and wise; br Incline my ears to hear him through; br Let him not stand with downcast eyes, br Fearing to trust me and be true. br Instruct me so that I may know br The way my son and I should go. br br When he shall err, as once did I, br Or boyhood folly bids him stray, br Let me not into anger fly br And drive the good in him away. br Teach me to win his trust, that he br Shall keep no secret hid from me. br br Lord, strengthen me that I may be . br A fit example for my son. br Grant he may never hear or see br A shameful deed that I have done. br However sorely I am tried, br Let me not undermine his pride. br br In spite of years and temples gray, br Still let my spirit beat with joy; br Teach me to share in all his play br And be a comrade with my boy. br Wherever we may chance to be, br Let him find happiness with me. br br Lord, as his father, now I pray br For manhood's strength and counsel wise; br Let me deal justly, day by day, br In all that fatherhood implies.