"What I spent, I had; what I left, I lost; what I gave, I have!" OLD EPITAPH. I. EVERY coin of earthly treasure We have lavished, upon earth, For our simple worldly pleasure, May be reckoned something worth; For the spending was not losing, Though the purchase were but small; It has perished with the using: We have had it, -- that is all! II. All the gold we leave behind us, When we turn to dust again (Though our avarice may blind us), We have gathered quite in vain; Since we neither can direct it, By the winds of fortune tossed, Nor in other worlds expect it: What we hoarded, we have lost. III. But each merciful oblation -- (Seed of pity wisely sown), What we gave in self-negation, We may safely call our own; For the treasure freely given Is the treasure that we hoard, Since the angels keep in heaven What is lent unto the Lord! |