A life was mine full of the close concern br Of many-voiced affairs. The world sped fast; br Behind me, ever rolled a pregnant past. br A present came equipped with lore to learn. br Art, science, letters, in their turn, br Each one allured me with its treasures vast; br And I staked all for wisdom, till at last br Thou cam'st and taught my soul anew to yearn. br I had not dreamed that I could turn away br From all that men with brush and pen had wrought; br But ever since that memorable day br When to my heart the truth of love was brought, br I have been wholly yielded to its sway, br And had no room for any other thought.