My days were strewed with flowers and happiness: There was no month but May: But with my years sorrow did twist and grow, And made a party unawares for woe. Whereas my birth and spirit rather took The way that takes the town; Thou didst betray me to a lingering book, And wrap me in a gown. I was entangled in a world of strife, Before I had the power to change my life. Yet lest perchance I should too hapPy be In my unhappiness, Turning my purge to food, Thou throwest me Into more sicknesses. Thus does Thy power cross-bias me, not making Thine own gift good, yet me from my ways taking. Now I am here; what Thou wilt do with me, None of my books will show: I read, and sigh, and wish I were a tree; For sure then I should grow To fruit, or shade; at least some bird would trust Her household to me, and I should be just. Yet though Thou troublest me, I must be meek; In weakness must be stout. Well, I will change the service, and go seek Some other master out. Ah, my dear God! though I am clean forgot, Let me not love Thee, if I love Thee not. HERBERT. GRATEFULNESS. THOU that hast given so much to me, Give one thing more, a grateful heart. See how Thy beggar works on Thee By art: THE night is come like to the Depart not thou, great God, away, Thou, whose nature cannot sleep, Whose eyes are open while mine close. Let no dreams my head infest HYMN. LORD, when I quit this earthly stage, Where shall I fly but to thy breast? For I have sought no other home, For I have learned no other rest. I cannot live contented here, Without some glimpses of thy face; And heaven without thy presence there Would be a dark and tiresome place. |