serve thy rightly

of stormy seas and flowing gales,
of desert suns and arid winds;
hath not it spoken whence thine fails?
from folly wrest our mortal sins.

and thought this i were heart of stone,
come lovely sights and lightful days;
with tongues 'tis tied and honour hone,
a mind breath stillborn passeth ways.

alas, i heed no summer's day,
and naught doth sorrow winter's night;
come reckless 'bandon fortunes may,
with starry, boneless wings take flight.

i preached and swore 'gainst God's best will, i said so convicted so true,
how would i know of what is best? of this one's faith lies but in You.