Teach me to suffer, that I may not weep,
But silently to bear my pain alone,
To all but my own secret self unknown;
So I may go into the world and keep
Hidden within my heart its sorrow deep,
As fathomless seas enfold their marvellous store
Of coral, pearl and flowers, treasures more
Than man could conjure or his hands could reap.
Oh, let this trial be like some silent thing
That makes my spirit richer with the years,
So I may learn to suffer without tears
And go my way on earth unmurmuring;
Then shall I find in Grief the perfect goal,
The beauty that shall compensate my soul!