| Thomas R. Lounsbury, ed. (1838–1915). Yale Book of American Verse. 1912. |
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| Richard Watson Gilder. 1844–1909 |
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| 217. Reform |
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I
OH, how shall I help to right the world that is going wrong! | |
| And what can I do to hurry the promised time of peace! | |
| The day of work is short and the night of sleep is long; | |
| And whether to pray or preach, or whether to sing a song, | |
| To plow in my neighbor's field, or to seek the golden fleece, | 5 |
| Or to sit with my hands in my lap, and wish that ill would cease! | |
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II
I think, sometimes, it were best just to let the Lord alone; | |
| I am sure some people forget He was here before they came; | |
| Tho' they say it is all for His glory, 't is a good deal more for their own, | |
| That they peddle their petty schemes, and blate and babble and groan. | 10 |
| I sometimes think it were best, and a man were little to blame, | |
| Should he pass on his silent way nor mix with the noisy shame. | |
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