| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 284. The Idler |
| | | By Jones Very |
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| I IDLE stand that I may find employ, | |
| Such as my Master when He comes will give; | |
| I cannot find in mine own work my joy, | |
| But wait, although in waiting I must live; | |
| My body shall not turn which way it will, | 5 |
| But stand till I the appointed road can find, | |
| And journeying so his messages fulfil, | |
| And do at every step the work designed. | |
| Enough for me, still day by day to wait | |
| Till Thou who formest me findest me too a task, | 10 |
| A cripple lying at the rich man’s gate, | |
| Content for the few crumbs I get to ask, | |
| A laborer but in heart, while bound my hands | |
| Hangidly down still waiting thy commands. | |
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