The Monk - Page 160/276

Show me the crystal Domes of Heaven,

The worlds of light where Angels lie;

Shew me the lot to Mortals given,

Who guiltless live, who guiltless die.

Then show me how a seat to gain

Amidst those blissful realms of Air;

Teach me to shun each guilty stain,

And guide me to the good and fair.

So every morn and night, my Voice

To heaven the grateful strain shall raise;

In You as Guardian Powers rejoice,

Good Angels, and exalt your praise:

So will I strive with zealous fire

Each vice to shun, each fault correct;

Will love the lessons you inspire,

And Prize the virtues you protect.

Then when at length by high command

My body seeks the Grave's repose,

When Death draws nigh with friendly hand

My failing Pilgrim eyes to close;

|Pleased that my soul has 'scaped the wreck,

Sighless will I my life resign,

And yield to God my Spirit back,

As pure as when it first was mine.

Having finished her usual devotions, Antonia retired to bed. Sleep soon stole over her senses; and for several hours She enjoyed that calm repose which innocence alone can know, and for which many a Monarch with pleasure would exchange his Crown.