This poem was found on the body of an unknown soldier of the Confederate Army,
Killed at the battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War:
I asked for strength, that I might achieve,
He made me weak that I might learn
humbly to obey…
I asked for health, that I might do greater things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do
better things …
I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise …
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness that I might feel
the need of God …
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I may enjoy all things …
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything that I had hoped for,
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered,
I am among all men, most richly blessed.
