codex002489-069v

Contentment.

I would not chafe dear Lord, beneath Thy hand
Nor murmur at the limits of my life
I would not spend my time, for gold or land
Nor waste my strength of mind in selfish strife.

I would not stupefy my soul with hate
Nor mar my peace within, by envy rife
I would not call Gods dealings, "bitter fate"
Nor scold, because misfortune enter life.

I would not be one thing, that I am not
Excepting that I crave to be, like Thee
I would not seek an easier earthly lot
The one I have, by God was given me.

I would not question, why, nor when, nor where
.. .. .. yearn for aught that is not mine
Before Thy perfect will _ my will would bow
My life enrich its poverty, in Thine.