The Grey Brethren(2)

A Song of Low Degree

    LORD, I am small, and yet so great, The whole world stands to my estate, And in Thine Image I create. The sea is mine； and the broad sky Is mine in its immensity： The river and the river's gold； The earth's hid treasures manifold； The love of creatures small and great, Save where I reap a precious hate； The noon-tide sun with hot caress¹, The night with quiet loneliness； The wind that bends the pliant² trees, The whisper of the summer breeze； The kiss of snow and rain； the star That shines a greeting from afar； All, all are mine； and yet so small Am I, that lo, I needs must call, Great King, upon the Babe in Thee, And crave³ that Thou would'st give to me The grace of Thy humility⁴.