I have gone backward in the work,
⁠The labour has not sped,
Drowsy and dark my spirit lies,
⁠Heavy and dull as lead.

How can I rouse my sinking soul
⁠From such a lethargy?
How can I break these iron chains,
⁠And set my spirit free?

There have been times when I have mourned,
⁠In anguish o'er the past;
And raised my suppliant hands on high,
⁠While tears fell thick and fast.

And prayed to have my sins forgiven,
⁠With such a fervent zeal,
An earnest grief—a strong desire
⁠That now I cannot feel!

And vowed to trample on my sins,
⁠And called on Heaven to aid
My spirit in her firm resolves
⁠And hear the vows I made.