Such boon as farmers to their servants give?

That I am fed, and that mine oxen thrive,

That my lambs fatten, that mine hours are free—

These ask my nightly thanks on bended knee;

And I do thank Him who hath blest my hive

And made content my herd, my flock, my bee.

But, Father! nobler things I ask from thee.

Fishes have sunshine, worms have everything!

Are we but apes? Oh! give me, God, to know

I am death's master; not a scaffolding,