THE BOOK OF GIFTS.
An angel came to me one dayWith “Book of Gifts” in hand,And offered any one thereinThat I should then demand.With pride he pointed out to meEach gift, and urged that IWould take from them the choicest one.For in his power did lieThe giving out of life’s rich stores.This single time had manBeen given the choice of worldly giftsSince life on earth began.I had the choice of all life’s gifts,Fame, honor, untold wealth.I chose not one he offered me,But begged forloveandhealth.
An angel came to me one dayWith “Book of Gifts” in hand,And offered any one thereinThat I should then demand.With pride he pointed out to meEach gift, and urged that IWould take from them the choicest one.For in his power did lieThe giving out of life’s rich stores.This single time had manBeen given the choice of worldly giftsSince life on earth began.I had the choice of all life’s gifts,Fame, honor, untold wealth.I chose not one he offered me,But begged forloveandhealth.