Volume 10 — POSSESSION
Reading edition
BY WILLIAM J. LAMPTON
Oh, give me whatever I do not possess, No matter whatever it be; So long as I haven't it that is enough, I fancy, to satisfy me. No matter whatever I happen to have, I have it; and what I have not Seems all that is good of the good things of earth To lighten the lack of my lot. No covetous spirit incites the desire To have what I haven't, I'm sure; Because when I have what I haven't, I want What I haven't, the same as before. So, give me whatever I do not possess, No matter whatever it be; And yet— To have what I haven't is having, and that Destroys all the pleasure for me.