O that mine eyes might closed be
To what concerns me not to see;

That deafness might possess mine ear
From what concerns me not to hear;

That truth my tongue might closely tie
From ever speaking foolishly;

That no vain thought might ever rest
Or be conceived in my breast!

Wash, Lord, and purify my heart,
And make it clean in every part;

And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it too;
For that is more than I can do.


Thomas Ellwood (1639-1713)