He prayed for strength that he might achieve; He was made weak that he might obey. He prayed for wealth that he might do greater things; He was given infirmity that he might do better things. He prayed for riches that he might be happy; He was given poverty that he might be wise. He prayed for power that he might have the praise of men; He was given infirmity that he might feel the need of God. He prayed for all things that he might enjoy life; He was given life that he might enjoy all things. He had received nothing that he asked for—all that he hoped for; His prayer was answered—he was most blessed. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE RIVER by RALPH WALDO EMERSON A VISION OF CONNAUGHT IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY by JAMES CLARENCE MANGAN AUTUMN SONG by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI IDYLLS OF THE KING: THE PASSING OF ARTHUR by ALFRED TENNYSON IN BATTLE by ABUL HASAN OF BADAJOZ ABBEY ASAROE by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM |