Classic Poem

When in the dreams of night he lay,
Fancy led through earth and air,
Whispered from the heavenly way,
The voice of promise met his ear;
Fancy ceased his pulse to thrill,—
Gathered home each earnest thought,—
And his very heart was still
Awhile the gracious words he caught:

“Ask me whatsoe'er thou wilt,
Fame, or wealth, or royal power,—
Ask me, ask me, and thou shalt
Such favors have as none before!”
Silence through the midnight air,—
Silence in the thoughtful breast,—
What of all that's bright and fair,
Appeared to youth and hope the best!

'Twas no feeble tongue replied,
While in awe his pulses stood,—
“Wealth and riches be denied,
But give me Wisdom , voice of God!
Give me Wisdom in the sight
Of the people Thou dost know!
Give me of T HYSELF THE LIGHT ,
And all the rest I will forego!”

Thus, oh, Lord, in visions fair,
When we hear Thy promise-voice,
Thus, like him, will we declare,
That Wisdom is our dearest choice!
Light of Heaven! ah, priceless boon,
Guiding o'er the troubled way,
What is all an earthly sun
To His celestial, chosen ray!

Wisdom hath her dwelling reared,—
Lo, the mystic pillars seven!
Wisdom for her guests hath cared,
And meat, and bread, and wine hath given;
Turn we not, while round us cry
Tongues that speak her mystic word;
They that scorn her voice shall die,
But whoso hear are friends of G OD .