To Myself

Paul Fleming (1609–1640)

From the German by Catherine Winkworth

LET nothing make thee sad or fretful,

Or too regretful;

Be still;

What God hath ordered must be right;

Then find in it thine own delight,

My will.

Why shouldst thou fill to-day with sorrow

About to-morrow,

My heart?

One watches all with care most true;

Doubt not that he will give thee too

Thy part.

Only be steadfast; never waver,

Nor seek earth’s favor,

But rest:

Thou knowest what God wills must be

For all his creatures, so for thee,

The best.