Anne Bradstreet’s poem is a personal prayer spoken by a wife as her husband sets sail for England in 1662. She addresses God directly, asking for his protection over the man she calls both her husband and “my dear friend.” The language is intimate and urgent: she pleads for mercy, for his safety in storms, for success in his business, and above all for a joyful reunion. At the same time, she wrestles with her own weakness, confessing how hard it is to let him go and begging God to uphold her heart. The poem moves between raw personal need and a deep trust in divine will. She accepts his departure as God’s command, yet every line trembles with the ache of separation. The mood is quiet and devout, but never cold — it’s a love letter folded into a prayer, full of tenderness and hope that they will one day sing praises together again.
Upon My Dear and Loving Husband his Going into England Jan. 16 — Summary
O thou Most High who rulest all And hear'st the prayers of thine, O hearken, Lord, unto my suit And my petition sign.
Into Thy everlasting arms Of mercy I commend Thy servant, Lord. Keep and preserve My husband, my dear friend.
At Thy command, O Lord, he went, Nor nought could keep him back. Then let Thy promise joy his heart, O help and be not slack.
Uphold my heart in Thee, O God. Thou art my strength and stay, Thou see'st how weak and frail I am, Hide not Thy face away.
I in obedience to Thy will Thou knowest did submit. It was my duty so to do; O Lord, accept of it.
Unthankfulness for mercies past Impute Thou not to me. O Lord, Thou know'st my weak desire Was to sing praise to Thee.
Lord, be Thou pilot to the ship And send them prosperous gales. In storms and sickness, Lord, preserve. Thy goodness never fails.
Unto Thy work he hath in hand Lord, grant Thou good success And favour in their eyes to whom He shall make his address.
Remember, Lord, Thy folk whom Thou To wilderness hast brought; Let not Thine own inheritance Be sold away for nought.
But tokens of Thy favour give, With joy send back my dear That I and all Thy servants may Rejoice with heavenly cheer.
Lord, let my eyes see once again Him whom Thou gavest me That we together may sing praise Forever unto Thee.
And the remainder of our days Shall consecrated be With an engaged heart to sing All praises unto Thee.