Page:Miscellanies - With a biographical sketch by Ralph Waldo Emerson and a general index to the writings. -- by Thoreau, Henry David.djvu/383

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God! I ask thee for no meaner pelf Than that I may not disappoint myself; That in my conduct I may soar as high As I can now discern with this clear eye; And next in value, which thy kindness lends, That I may greatly disappoint my friends, Howe'er they think or hope it that may be, They may not dream how thou 'st distinguished me; That my weak hand may equal my firm faith, And my life practice more than my tongue saith;