WOULD I, TO SAVE MY DEAR CHILD?

Would I, to save my dear child dutiful, Dare the white breakers on a storm-rent shore? Ay, truly, Thou all good, all beautiful, Truly I would,—then truly Thou would'st more.

Would I for my poor son, who desolate After long sinning, sued without my door For pardon, open it? Ay, fortunate To hear such prayer, I would,—Lord, Thou would'st more.

Would I for e'en the stranger's weariness And want divide, albeit 'twere scant, my store? Ay, and mine enemy, sick, shelterless, Dying, I would attend,—O, Lord, Thou more.

In dust and ashes my long infamy Of unbelief I rue. My love before Thy love I set: my heart's discovery, Is sweet,—whate'er I would, Thou wouldest more.

I was Thy shelterless, sick enemy, And Thou didst die for me, yet heretofore I have fear'd; now learn I love's supremacy,— Whate'er is known of love, Thou lovest more.