But for us who bear the burdens that you dropped so long ago, All the cares you have forgotten, and the pains you missed, we know.
Yet—the question still remaineth! Which is better, death or life? The not doing, or the doing? Joy of calm, or joy of strife?
Which is better—to be saved from temptation and from sin, Or to wrestle with the dragon and the glorious fight to win?
Ah! we know not, but God knoweth! All resolves itself to this— That He gave to us the warfare, and to thee the heavenly bliss.
It was best for thee to go hence in the morning of the day; Till the evening shadows lengthen it is best for us to stay!
QUIETNESS
I would be quiet, Lord, Nor tease, nor fret; Not one small need of mine Wilt Thou forget.
I am not wise to know What most I need; I dare not cry too loud Lest Thou shouldst heed:
Lest Thou at length shouldst say, “Child, have thy will; As thou hast chosen, lo! Thy cup I fill!”
What I most crave, perchance Thou wilt withhold, As we from hands unmeet Keep pearls, or gold;