ALTERNATIVES by John Kitto

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 22, 1859

ALTERNATIVES.

By John Kitto

Were all the beams that ever shone From all the stars of day or night, Collected in one single cone Unutterably bright;— I'd give them for one glance of heaven, Which might but hint of sins forgiven.

Could all the voices and glad sounds, Which have not fallen on my sense, Be rendered up in one hour's bounds— A gift immense;— I'd for one whisper to my heart, Give all the joys this might impart.

If the great deep now offered all The treasures in her bosom stored, And to my feet I could now call The mighty hoard;— I'd spurn it utterly, for some Small treasure in the world to come.

If the sweet scents of every flower, Each one of which cheers more than wine; One plant could from its petals pour, And that were mine; I would give up that glorious prize, For one faint breath from Paradise.

Were all the pleasures I have known, "So few, so very far between;" Into one great sensation thrown— Not them all mean; I'd give it freely for one smile, From Him who died for me erewhile.

[John Kitto.