O Thou dread Power, who reign'st above, br I know thou wilt me hear, br When for this scene of peace and love br I make this prayer sincere. br br The hoary Sire - the mortal stroke, br Long, long be pleas'd to spare; br To bless his little filial flock, br And show what good men are. br br She, who her lovely offspring eyes br With tender hopes and fears, br O bless her with a mother's joys, br But spare a mother's tears! br br Their hope, their stay, their darling youth, br In manhood's dawning blush, br Bless him, Thou God of love and truth, br Up to a parent's wish. br br The seauteous, seraph sister-band - br With earnest tears I pray - br Thou know'st the snares on ev'ry hand, br Guide Thou their steps alway.