Sonett-Forum

Sub Specie ÆTernitatis


I ASK not, Lord, to have in some far heaven
Thy recompense for ills I now endure,
For earthly pains I seek not heavenly cure,
Nor pray that unto me the crown be given
That waits ('tis said) all who with wrong have striven;
For well, O Lord, my soul doth me assure
That Thou in skill and love art none so poor
That thus to mar and mend Thy hand is driven. -
But I would ask to be uplifted, whence,
As with an angel's sight, I may behold
The plan eternal of Thy works unrolled,
View all things naked of the veil of sense,
And see in death and hunger, pain and cold,
Thy wisdom, Lord, that needs no recompense.