THE BOON
Reading edition
What is the dearest wish my soul can make? What great desire can all this world bestow? What is the very height of boon I know? What gift immeasurable I can take? Is there some precious thing for its own sake My mind doth crave to make it strong and glow? Is there some priceless treasure I might show, And make men from their rosy dreams awake? No treasure this deep world can give I need. My dearest wish no mighty king can give; My great desire—no bauble that will cloy! I seek no gains on which ambitions feed! Far more I seek; always to move and live And have my being in my Hebe’s joy.