Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume IV. The Higher Life. 1904. | | | | II. Prayer and Aspiration | | The Higher Good | | Theodore Parker (1810–1860) |
| | | FATHER, I will not ask for wealth or fame, | |
| Though once they would have joyed my carnal sense: | |
| I shudder not to bear a hated name, | |
| Wanting all wealth, myself my sole defence. | |
| But give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth; | 5 |
| A seeing sense that knows the eternal right; | |
| A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth; | |
| A manly faith that makes all darkness light: | |
| Give me the power to labor for mankind; | |
| Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; | 10 |
| Eyes let me be to groping men, and blind; | |
| A conscience to the base; and to the weak | |
| Let me be hands and feet; and to the foolish, mind; | |
| And lead still further on such as thy kingdom seek. | | | | |
|
|
