When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by;
“Let us,” said He, “pour on him all we can.
Let the world’s riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.”
So strength first made a way;
Then beauty flowed, then wisdom, honour, pleasure.
When almost all was out, God made a stay,
Perceiving that alone of all His treasure,
Rest in the bottom lay.
“For if I should,” said He,
“Bestow this jewel also on my creature,
He would adore My gifts instead of Me,
And rest in Nature, not the God of Nature;
So both should losers be.”