I said, "Let me walk in the fields";

He said, "Nay, walk in the town";

I said, "There are no flowers there";

He said, "No flowers, but a crown."

I said, "But the sky is black,

There is nothing but noise and din."

But He wept as He sent me back;

"There is more," He said, "there is sin."

I said, "But the air is the thick,

And fogs are veiling the sin."

He answered, "Yet hearts are sick,

And souls in the dark undone."

I said, "I shall miss the light,

And friend will miss me, they say."

He answered me, "Choose tonight

If I am to miss you are they."

I pleaded for time to be given;

He said, "Is it hard to decide?

It will not seem hard in heaven

To have followed the steps of your guide."

I cast one look at the field,

Then set my face to the town;

He said, "My child, do you yield?

Will you leave the flower for the crown?"

Then into His hand went mine,

And into my heart came He,

And I walk in the light divine,

The path I had feared to see.

--George MacDonald