Keep me, I pray, in wisdom's way <br /> That I may truths eternal seek; <br />I need protecting care to-day,-- <br /> My purse is light, my flesh is weak. <br />So banish from my erring heart <br /> All baleful appetites and hints <br />Of Satan's fascinating art, <br /> Of first editions, and of prints. <br />Direct me in some godly walk <br /> Which leads away from bookish strife, <br />That I with pious deed and talk <br /> May extra-illustrate my life. <br /> <br />But if, O Lord, it pleaseth Thee <br /> To keep me in temptation's way, <br />I humbly ask that I may be <br /> Most notably beset to-day; <br />Let my temptation be a book, <br /> Which I shall purchase, hold, and keep, <br />Whereon when other men shall look, <br /> They'll wail to know I got it cheap. <br />Oh, let it such a volume be <br /> As in rare copperplates abounds, <br />Large paper, clean, and fair to see, <br /> Uncut, unique, unknown to Lowndes.<br /><br />Eugene Field<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-bibliomaniac-s-s-prayer/
