PLAIN SERMONS

I saw a man — and envied him beside —

Because of this world's goods he had great store;

But even as I envied him, he died,

And left me envious of him no more.

I saw another man — and envied still —

Because he was content with frugal lot;

But as I envied him, the rich man's will

Bequeathed him all, and envy I forgot.

Yet still another man I saw, and he

I envied for a calm and tranquil mind

That nothing fretted in the least degree —

Until, alas! I found that he was blind.

What vanity is envy! for I find

I have been rich in dross of thought, and poor

In that I was a fool, and lastly blind

For never having seen myself before!