IX
Write in your heart, dear maid, that Hitherto
The Lord hath helped us. Give Him duly praise
(As I have given Him for making you).
Pray not, ask not for wealth and length of days
Or even for wisdom, lest one day you find
That you are saddened with some thousand grooms
(You bear the case of Solomon in mind!)
All in frock-coats and helmeted (with plumes)
—A scarcely pleasant prospect! Just give thanks
O Lord, for what we have received, Amen!
And then if Jordan overflows his banks,
Our vines increase, and one seed turns to ten,
Keep on thanksgiving! Even if things go wrong,
Howls are less pleasant to the ear than song.
The Lord hath helped us. Give Him duly praise
(As I have given Him for making you).
Pray not, ask not for wealth and length of days
Or even for wisdom, lest one day you find
That you are saddened with some thousand grooms
(You bear the case of Solomon in mind!)
All in frock-coats and helmeted (with plumes)
—A scarcely pleasant prospect! Just give thanks
O Lord, for what we have received, Amen!
And then if Jordan overflows his banks,
Our vines increase, and one seed turns to ten,
Keep on thanksgiving! Even if things go wrong,
Howls are less pleasant to the ear than song.
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