Poems with Power to Strengthen the Soul

by Unknown

Not once, not once to be drunken with self,

Or to play the hypocrite's poisoned part,

Or to bend the knee of my soul to the passion for pelf,

Or the glittering gods of the mart;

Through each glad hour to lay on the wings of its flight

Some flower for the angels' sight;

Some fragrant fashion of service, scarlet and white—

White for the pure intent, and red where the pulses start.

O, if thus I could serve him, could perfectly serve him one day,

I think I could perfectly serve him forever—forever and aye!