Before all worlds had sparkled, by divine decree!
When we were on the earth, we inattentive were;
And little recked the treasure trusted to its care!
When orders were received to quit the earth, and mount,
We felt regret to change; knew not on what account.425
We thought of reasons for the shift, and question made:
‘O Lord! Who then shall take our place when we’re thus bade?
Wilt Thou exchange our praise and service here below,
For mere lip-homage from a worm Thee will not know?’
An answer from the Lord, benign, did we receive: