Hymn of the Pantheist

Bertram Dobell (1842–1914)

Wondrous essence, Being's stay,Light that shineth night and day;Power that doth all uphold,Spirit that doth all enfold;Heart of peace in maddest strife,Joy of Joy and Life of Life;Soul of Nature! let me restChildlike on thy loving breast,Shadow me beneath thy wingsFrom Despair's envenomed stings.

Let me, when I wake at mornRender thanks that I was born;Let me, ere I sink to rest,Ever own how much I'm blest;Let me always grateful beFor the joy I have in Thee!Ever, ever thank the PowerGave me such a splendid dower;All my thoughts thanksgivings beTill I at last return to Thee!

February 1903