I seek in prayerful words,
dear friend,
My heart's true wish to send you

That you may know that,
far or near,
My loving thoughts attend you.

I cannot find a truer word,
Nor better to address you;

Nor song, nor poem have I heard
Is sweeter than God bless you!

God bless you!
So I've wished you all
Of brightness life possesses;

For can there any joy at all
Be yours unless God blesses?

God bless you!
So I breathe a charm
Lest grief's dark night oppress you,

For how can sorrow
bring you harm
If 'tis God's way to bless you?

And so, "through all thy days
May shadows touch thee never--"

But this alone--God bless thee--
Then art thou safe forever.