Humiliation

I have been honour’d and obey’d, I have met scorn and slight; And my heart loves earth’s sober shade, More than her laughing light.

For what is rule but a sad weight Of duty and a snare? What meanness, but with happier fate The Saviour’s Cross to share?

This my hid choice, if not from heaven, Moves on the heavenward line; Cleanse it, good Lord, from earthly leaven, And make it simply Thine.