A little kingdom I possess br where thoughts and feelings dwell, br And very hard I find the task br of governing it well; br For passion tempts and troubles me, br A wayward will misleads, br And selfishness its shadow casts br On all my words and deeds. br br How can I learn to rule myself, br to be the child I should, br Honest and brave, nor ever tire br Of trying to be good? br How can I keep a sunny soul br To shine along life's way? br How can I tune my little heart br To sweetly sing all day? br br Dear Father, help me with the love br that casteth out my fear; br Teach me to lean on thee, and feel br That thou art very near, br That no temptation is unseen br No childish grief too small, br Since thou, with patience infinite, br Doth soothe and comfort all. br br I do not ask for any crown br But that which all may win br Nor seek to conquer any world br Except the one within. br Be thou my guide until I find, br Led by a tender hand, br Thy happy kingdom in myself br And dare to take command.