I sought for Novelty--in vain
I searched the stores of Nature through:
But now the object wished I gain--
Thy mercies, Lord, are ever new.

I sought for Beauty--set of sun,
And rainbow, and the rising light,--
These all were fair, but quickly gone;
Thy face, my God, is always bright.

I sought Fidelity--some friends
Have fallen away, and some endure:
And Death the firmest love--knot rends;--
Thy Love, O Lord alone is sure.

I sought for Truth--the more I sought
A living lie around me grew;
False was all joy, all speech, all thought--
Thy promise, Lord, alone is true.