So many things, dear Lord, I asked;
So many things that were untried;
So many things I sought, but oh
Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!
I did not know their gold was dross;
I did not see the chasm wide
But downward plunged, and now I cry —
Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!
So many things, with outstretched hands,
I begged might not be turned aside.
I know the best had oft been mine
Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!
I wearied Thee with my wild prayers
To taste of joys that ne'er abide.
While many blessings had been mine
Hadst Thou denied! Hadst Thou denied!
Hadst Thou denied my foolish wish;
Hadst Thou my spirit longer tried!
All these vain years, in grief, I own,
Had reaped rich gain hadst Thou denied!