| Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912. |
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| Phebe (Hinsdale) Brown. 1783–1861 |
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| 4. Private Devotion |
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| I LOVE to steal awhile away | |
| From every cumbering care, | |
| And spend the hours of setting day | |
| In humble, grateful prayer. | |
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| I love, in solitude, to shed | 5 |
| The penitential tear; | |
| And all His promises to plead, | |
| When none but God can hear. | |
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| I love to think on mercies past, | |
| And future good implore; | 10 |
| And all my cares and sorrows cast | |
| On Him whom I adore. | |
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| I love, by faith, to take a view | |
| Of brighter scenes in heaven; | |
| The prospect doth my strength renew, | 15 |
| While here by tempests driven. | |
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| Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er, | |
| May its departing ray | |
| Be calm as this impressive hour, | |
| And lead to endless day. | 20 |
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