I ask good things that I detest,
With speeches fair;
Heed not, I pray Thee, Lord, my breast, But hear my prayer. I say ill things I would not say - Things unaware: Regard my breast, Lord, in Thy day, And not my prayer. My heart is evil in Thy sight: My good thoughts flee: O Lord, I cannot wish aright - Wish Thou for me. O bend my words and acts to Thee, However ill, That I, whate'er I say or be, May serve Thee still. O let my thoughts abide in Thee Lest I should fall: Show me Thyself in all I see, Thou Lord of all.
By Robert Louis Stevenson.