What Shall I wish Thee?
WHAT shall I wish thee, my darling boy?
Shall I wish thee a life of unclouded joy,
That the hours shall pass like the summer wind,
And leave not a trace of woe behind?
Not this, not this, my child.
Shall I wish my boy the noble heir
To mines of gold and to jewels rare
A mighty place in the world's estate,
And a lofty home with the wealthy great 7
Not this, not this, my child.
Shall I wish for thee an honored name
That shall stand on the golden rolls of fame;
That thy deeds may be echoed along Time's shore
Till the echoes of time shall be heard no more?
Not this, not this, my child.
But Oh, for my child a humble seat
On Calvary's mount at Jesus' feet;
And a home at last in the happy plains
Where the glorious Saviour ever reigns:
God grant thee this, my child.