Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912.
Richard Watson Gilder 18441909
Richard Watson Gilder217 Reform
O
And what can I do to hurry the promised time of peace!
The day of work is short and the night of sleep is long;
And whether to pray or preach, or whether to sing a song,
To plow in my neighbor’s field, or to seek the golden fleece,
Or to sit with my hands in my lap, and wish that ill would cease!
I am sure some people forget He was here before they came; Tho’ they say it is all for His glory, ’t is a good deal more for their own, That they peddle their petty schemes, and blate and babble and groan. I sometimes think it were best, and a man were little to blame, Should he pass on his silent way nor mix with the noisy shame.
I think, sometimes, it were best just to let the Lord alone;