No, Willie; the father of all,
Teacher and master high,
Has set your task beyond recall,
Nothing can set it by.
Willie speaks.
What is it, father dear,
That he would have me do?
I'd ask himself, but he's not near,
And so I must ask you!
The Father answers.
Me 'tis no use to ask,
I too am one of his boys!
But he tells each boy his own plain task;
Listen, and hear his voice.
Willie speaks.
Father, I'm listening so
To hear him if I may!
His voice must either be very low,
Or very far away!
The Father answers.
It is neither hard to hear,
Nor hard to understand;
It is very low, but very near,
A still, small, strong command.
Willie answers.