My Ambition

E. B. M.

O, were it mine to sing a song
Whose sweetness, at my feet should hold
The spell-bound thousands, all untold,—
I'd rather far it were my part
With comfort e'en one life to fold,—
Bind up one broken heart.

O, were the power mine to paint
The fairest picture, to amaze
A wond'ring world that there should gaze,—
Oh, Father, I would ask instead
Thy healing truth to bear and raise
My brother from his bed.

O, were it mine to have my fame
Emblazoned high on yonder star,—
Dear Father, I would rather far—
I humbly pray in earnest tone—
One life be cleansed which sin doth mar,
And that, oh Lord, my own!