“Which wouldst thou lose
Of all thy dear ones, now so bright around?
Lord, didst Thou ask me this—my heart to sound—
I could not choose!
“Some I may see
More ripe for heaven, and thus more fit to go;
But, more they are Thine own, alas! they grow
More dear to me.
“Fain I would sue
The whole to keep, but know ‘tweer vain request:
Choose, Lord, Thyself the offering; what is best
Most is Thy due.
“And still I pray,
Spare them a while! justly, O Father, Thou
Call’st them to home! Yet, in Thy grace, allow
Some further stay!”