Lord, I have uplifted my lute,
And struck a chord,
But the earth, the earth was unmindful.
The music of my lay became
A part of the day and was not heard.
I have drunk the draughts of many cups
Of man's wisdoms, finding bitterness,
Aye, and folly. I have learned that men
Know naught that unfolds my soul.
Lo, it is like an unbursted bud- -
Ever do I feel its chafing for the sun!
I have lost that lay which I might have sung,
But behold me, singing within my heart
A song triunmphant, for my faith will not die!

Oh, the sun I am awaiting shall burst
The bud of my soul, and I yet
Shall spread forth unto His magnitude,
Letting my petals fall upon Earth,
While the perfume of my honey
Eludes the dross of day!