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But when by sad disasters tried,They sought his aid again,And begged he would the kingdom guide,And as their sovereign reign.
"Ah! could I only think," he said,"Taught in affliction's school,That you the righteous path would treadThen would I o'er you rule.
"But nations never yet for longHave been by wisdom swayed,Reason than passion's far less strong,And truth's with treachery paid.
"As king I must my own soul loseTo gain ingratitude,Wherefore the path of peace I choose,Where no false shows delude.
"Ambition's but a will o' th' wisp,Wealth's but a pedlar's pack,Beauty is but a shining lureThe souls of men to wreck.
"Mine are the stars, the sun, the moon,Valleys and mountains mine;All things yield up some precious boonTo make my life divine.
"When morning breaks I greet the sunWith ever-new delight,And still, when he his course has run,Welcome no less the night.
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