To many masters I was bound, A headstrong imp of fierce renown; I feared their wrath, yet oft I’d play, My lords with cunning, teasing sway. One day I came into the town, As if by radiant light crowned; I met my master and then knew My soul in him had merged so true. Now his commands mean more to me Than all my own caprice could be; And all the day with eager eyes I wait for his decrees and sighs. He showed me how to serve my lord, With ardor not to be ignored; To glean his wishes in a glance, And act upon the very chance. And if the little devil wakes To spin her sly, mischievous stakes, I’ll lull her into sleep so deep, That she my quiet thoughts won’t keep. I find such pleasure in the art Of bringing joy to his true heart; And even ‘heath the rod’s command, I reach my climax as He planned. As day departs into the night, I hold his image ever bright; And when the morn awakes me true, I start the day with him in view. And now, as from the real I stray, Leaving life’s mere fragment away, I keep within my soul so dear The faces loved, forever near.
