Work by Henry Van Dyke

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Jan 13, 1909

Work.

By Henry Van Dyke

LET me but do my work from day to day In field or forest, at the desk or loom, In roaring market-place or tranquil room; Let me but find it in my heart to say, When vagrant wishes beckon me astray: “This is my work; my blessing, not my doom; Of all who live I am the one by whom This work can best be done, in the right way.” Then I shall see it not too great, nor small, To suit my spirit and to prove my powers; Then shall I cheerful greet the laboring hours And cheerful turn when the long shadows fall At eventide, to play and love and rest, Because I know for me my life is best. —Henry Van Dyke.