I do not wish thee worldly wealth--
For it may flee away;
I do not wish thee beauty's charms--
For they will soon decay.
I do not wish for thee the joys
Which from earth's pleasures spring;
These give at best a fleeting bliss,
And leave a lasting sting.
I do not wish thee mortal fame--
This, like a meteor bright,
Gleams but a moment on the sky,
And leaves behind no light.
I wish for thee that richer wealth,
No earthly mines reveal,
"Which moth and rust cannot corrupt,
And thief can never steal."
I wish for thee the sweeter joys,
Which from religion flow;
These have the power to soothe and bless,
In hours of deepest woe.
I wish for thee the honor pure,
Descending from on high;
To lift thy soul away from earth,
And raise it to the sky.
I wish that peace through all thy life,
May on each step attend;
May rapture crown its closing hour,
And perfect bliss its end.