Resigning

"Poor heart, what bitter words we speak When God speaks of resigning!" Children, that lay their pretty garlands by So piteously, yet with a humble mind; Sailors, who, when their ship rocks in the wind, Cast out her freight with half-averted eye, Riches for life exchanging solemnly, Lest they should never gain the wished-for shore;-- Thus we, O Father, standing Thee before, Do lay down at Thy feet without a sigh Each after each our precious things and rare, Our dear heart-jewels and our garlands fair. Perhaps Thou knewest that the flowers would die, And the long-voyaged boards be found but dust: So took'st them, while unchanged. To Thee we trust For incorruptible treasure: Thou art just.