How Long?

My life is long—Not so the Angels say
Who watch me waste it, trembling whilst they weigh
Against eternity my lavished day.

My life is long—Not so the Saints in peace
Judge, filled with plenitude that cannot cease:
Oh life was short which bought such large increase!

My life is long—Christ’s word is different:
The heat and burden of the day were spent
On Him,—to me refreshing times are sent.

Give me an Angel’s heart, that day nor night
Rests not from adoration its delight,
Still crying “Holy holy” in the height.

Give me the heart of Saints, who, laid at rest
In better Paradise than Abraham’s breast,
In the everlasting Rock have made their nest.

Give me Thy heart, O Christ, who thirty-three
Slow years of sorrow countedst short for me,
That where Thou art there Thy beloved might be.