Poems (Procter)/Per Pacem ad Lucem
PER PACEM AD LUCEM.
DO not ask, O Lord, that life may be A pleasant road;I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me Aught of its load;I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet;I know too well the poison and the sting Of things too sweet.
For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead, Lead me aright—Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed— Through Peace to Light.
I do not ask, O Lord, that thou shouldst shed Full radiance here;Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread Without a fear.
I do not ask my cross to understand, My way to see;Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand And follow Thee.
Joy is like restless day; but peace divine Like quiet night:Lead me, O Lord,—till perfect Day shall shine, Through Peace to Light.