Great God

Great God, I ask for no meaner pelf

Than that I may not disappoint myself,

That in my action I may soar as high

As I can now discern with this clear eye.

And next in value, which thy kindness lends,

That I may greatly disappoint my friends,

Howe’er they think or hope that it may be,

They may not dream how thou’st distinguished me.

That my weak hand may equal my firm faith

And my life practice what my tongue saith

That my low conduct may not show

Nor my relenting lines

That I thy purpose did not know

Or overrated thy designs.


Henry David Thoreau