NOW the far waves roll nearer and more near, br The wind's awake, the pitiless wind's awake, br It shrieks the menace that I dare not hear, br Soon at my feet the angry waves will break br In desolating wrath--and here I stand br Helpless my house is built upon the sand. br br O you, whose house upon a rock is set, br Laugh, safe and sure, at threatening wave and wind. br You chose the better part and yet--and yet, br There was no other ground that I could find, br And I was weary and I longed to raise br A house to guard my shivering nights and days. br br And it was pleasant in the house I made, br While still the floods and winds were held asleep. br I blessed it at the dawn, at night I prayed br As though its dear foundations had been deep br Sunk in the rock.