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I meant to have but modest needs –
Such as Content – and Heaven –
Within my income – these could lie
And Life and I – keep even –
But since the last – included both –
It would suffice my Prayer
But just for One – to stipulate –
And Grace would grant the Pair –
And so – upon this wise – I prayed –
Great Spirit – Give to me
A Heaven not so large as Yours,
But large enough – for me –
A Smile suffused Jehovah’s face –
The Cherubim – withdrew –
Grave Saints stole out to look at me –
And showed their dimples – too –
I left the Place, with all my might –
I threw my Prayer away –
The Quiet Ages picked it up –
And Judgment – twinkled – too –
Tat one so honest – be extant –
It take the Tale for true –
That “Whatsoever Ye shall ask –
Itself be given You” –
But I, grown shrewder – scan the Skies
With a suspicious Air –
As Children – swindled for the first
All Swindlers – be – infer –
