W. Garrett Horder, comp. The Poets’ Bible: New Testament. 1895.

“Father! forgive Them”

George Daniel

LUKE XXIII. 34.

WHEN they scourged, and mocked, and bound Him,

And the Blood upon His Brow

Flowed from every thorn that crowned Him,

Christ His Head did lowly bow;

And this dying Prayer to Heaven,

Love from His Compassion drew—

Let them, FATHER, be forgiven,

For they know not what they do.

When with wrath my Spirit burning,

I would wrong with wrong repay,

Lord to Thy example turning

My resentment dies away.

Ere for pardon I implore Thee

Must my foe forgiven be;

Or shall I in vain before Thee

Breathe my prayer and bend my knee.