A simple, cheerful, active life on earth,
A cup Id not exchange for monarchs chalice,
In noble forebears tracks a path since birth,
With equal dignity in hut and palace,
With eye as when created heavnward turned,
All beauty here and grandness keenly knowing,
Familiar though with those things deeply yearned,
Stilled only by eternitys bright glowing.
I wished for all my line just such a life,
And zealously I planned for its fruition,
And when my soul grew tired from toil and strife,
The Lords Prayer was its rest and its nutrition.
Then from truths spirit I great comfort gained,
And felt joy hover oer each garden border,
When dust is placed in its creators hand
And all is waited for in natures order:
Just fresh, green buds that sprout in early spring,
And in the summer heat the flowers profusion;
And when the plants mature and long to bring
Their harvest fruit to autumns full conclusion!
The human span assigned is short or long,
It is for common weal, its yield is growing;
The day that started well will end as strong,
And just as sweet will be its afterglowing.
