One By One The Sands Are Flowing

One by one the sands are flowing, One by one the moments fall: Some are coming, some are going; Do not strive to grasp them all. One by one thy duties wait thee; Let thy whole strength go to each; Let no future dreams elate thee; Learn thou first what these can teach. One by one,-bright gifts of heaven,- Joys are sent thee here below; Take them readily when given; Ready be to let them go. One by one thy griefs shall meet thee; Do not fear an armed band; One will fade as others greet thee,- Shadows passing through the land. Every hour that fleets so slowly Has its task to do our bear: Luminous the crown and holy, When each gem is set with care. Hours are golden links, God's token Reaching heaven; but one by one Take them, lest the chain be broken Ere the pilgrimage be done.