QUIETNESS
I would be quiet, Lord,
Nor tease, nor fret;
Not one small need of mine
Wilt Thou forget.
Nor tease, nor fret;
Not one small need of mine
Wilt Thou forget.
I am not wise to know
What most I need;
I dare not cry too loud
Lest Thou shouldst heed:
What most I need;
I dare not cry too loud
Lest Thou shouldst heed:
Lest Thou at length shouldst say,
"Child, have thy will;
As thou hast chosen, lo!
Thy cup I fill!"
"Child, have thy will;
As thou hast chosen, lo!
Thy cup I fill!"
What I most crave, perchance
Thou wilt withhold,
As we from hands unmeet
Keep pearls, or gold;
Thou wilt withhold,
As we from hands unmeet
Keep pearls, or gold;
As we, when childish hands
Would play with fire,
Withhold the burning goal
Of their desire.
Would play with fire,
Withhold the burning goal
Of their desire.
Yet choose Thou for me—Thou
Who knowest best;
This one short prayer of mine
Holds all the rest!
Who knowest best;
This one short prayer of mine
Holds all the rest!
