| Though half the world make fun of me For that which really is me and mine, Yet would I stand and hold my own. Should half mankind shout loud at me To drop my own and join their ranks, Yet would I obey the "I" within me. If princes offer rose and fame While the "I" within gives me cabbage, "With joy i'll choose the latter gift". Surely days shall be When a man must lose this world And all that goes with it; He'll look round and see no friend, Nor rose, nor fame, nor hope. 'Tis then he'll see the truth, That the Essence of one's life Is really The "I" Within |