SEEKING JOY

Joy, how I sought thee!

Silver I spent and gold,

On the pleasures of this world,

In splendid garments clad;

The wine I drank was sweet,

Rich morsels I did eat —

Oh, but my life was sad!

Joy, how I sought thee!

Joy, I have found thee!

Far from the halls of Mirth,

Back to the soft green earth,

Where people are not many;

I find thee, Joy, in hours

With clouds, and birds, and flowers —

Thou dost not charge one penny.

Joy, I have found thee!