Per Pacem ad Lucem

I Do not ask, O Lord, that life may be     A pleasant road; I do not ask that Thou wouldst take from me     Aught of its load; I do not ask that flowers should always spring     Beneath my feet; I know too well the poison and the sting     Of things too sweet. For one thing only, Lord, dear Lord, I plead,     Lead me aright— Though strength should falter, and though heart should bleed—     Through Peace to Light. I do not ask, O Lord, that thou shouldst shed     Full radiance here; Give but a ray of peace, that I may tread     Without a fear. I do not ask my cross to understand,     My way to see; Better in darkness just to feel Thy hand     And follow Thee. Joy is like restless day; but peace divine     Like quiet night: Lead me, O Lord,—till perfect Day shall shine,     Through Peace to Light.