| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). A Victorian Anthology, 1837–1895. 1895. |
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| Per Pacem Ad Lucem |
| | | Adelaide Anne Procter (1825–64) |
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| I DO not ask, O Lord, that life may be | |
| A pleasant road; | |
| I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me | |
| Aught of its load; | |
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| I do not ask that flowers should always spring | 5 |
| Beneath my feet; | |
| I know too well the poison and the sting | |
| Of things too sweet. | |
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| For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead, | |
| Lead me aright— | 10 |
| Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed— | |
| Through Peace to Light. | |
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| I do not ask, O Lord, that thou shouldst shed | |
| Full radiance here; | |
| Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread | 15 |
| Without a fear. | |
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| I do not ask my cross to understand, | |
| My way to see; | |
| Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand | |
| And follow Thee. | 20 |
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| Joy is like restless day; but peace divine | |
| Like quiet night: | |
| Lead me, O Lord,—till perfect Day shall shine, | |
| Through Peace to Light. | |
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