Southey, Robert, "Imitation from the Persian." in The Bijou; (London: William Pickering , 1828)
   
      
         
            
               The Bijou; 
               or Annual of Literature and the Arts
            
            compiled by William Fraser
            
            
               
                  William Pickering
               
               London
            
            1828
            
               
                  p. 98
               
            
         
      
      
         
             98 
            
               Imitation from the Persian
            
            
               By Dr. Southey
            
            
               LORD! who art merciful as well as just,
               Incline thine ear to me, a child of dust!
               Not what I would, O Lord! I offer thee,
               Alas! but what I can.
               Father Almighty, who hast made me man,
               And bade me look to Heaven, for thou art there,
               Accept my sacrifice and humble prayer.
               Four things which are not in thy treasury,
               I lay before thee, Lord, with this petition: — 
               My nothingness, my wants,
               My sins, and my contrition!