Unanswered Prayers.
I asked for Love, God would not grant my prayer;
I prayed for Fame, and still He said me nay;
I could not understand His loving care,
That what He did was for my good alway.
And so I murmured at the stern decree,
Rebellious anger swelling in my breast;
He smiled forgiveness as He said to me:
“My child, all that I do is for the best.”
And now my heart is cold to Love’s sweet voice;
Ambition’s flame lies lifeless in my breast;
Nor Love, nor Fame can make my heart rejoice—
The only boon I ask of God is Rest.
My prayer is yet unanswered, but I know
That God knows best how much my heart can bear;
When it hath borne the allotted share of woe
I know that he will hearken to my prayer.
His time and justice I can safely bide
Knowing that He will grant me this request,
And all Life’s longings will be satisfied
In that sweet hour when God will give me Rest.
