Lord, let me make this rule:
To think of life as school,
And try my best
To stand each test,
And do my work
And nothing shirk.
Should some one else outshine
This dullard head of mine,
Should I be sad?
I will be glad.
To do my best
Is thy behest.
If weary with my book
I cast a wistful look
Where posies grow,
Oh, let me know
That flowers within
Are best to win.
Dost take my book away
Anon to let me play,
And let me out
To run about?
I grateful bless
Thee for recess.
Then recess past, alack,
I turn me slowly back,
On my hard bench,
My hands to clench,
And set my heart
To learn my part.
These lessons thou dost give
To teach me how to live,
To do, to bear,
To get and share,
To work and pray
And trust alway.
What though I may not ask
To choose my daily task,
Thou hast decreed
To meet my need.
What pleases thee
That shall please me.
Some day the bell will sound,
Some day my heart will bound,
As with a shout,
That school is out,
And, lessons done,
I homeward run.
--Maltbie D. Babcock.