Treasures Held in Earthen Keep

May it not be held in scorn in heaven's eyes
If I retain one earthly prize.
Oh, I know full well--Yes, I realize
The words well-spoken still hold true,
That if you find a man's treasure,
you've found his heart, too.

I know as well the dangers of treasures
Held in earthen keep--
Of moths, of rust,
Of thieves who never sleep.

May it cause not upheaval, nor heavenly strife
Though, if I still treasure my precious wife.
Oh, I know full well--yes, I realize
The words well-spoken still hold true,
If you find a man's treasure,
You've found his heart too.

I am willing to risk the moths of sin,
Which would rend the gament from without
or from within.
I am quite ready to face the rust of time,
And I'm not so afraid of Death,
That great restless Thief,
That I would never,
For cause of some great fear,
Allow this treasure to be to me quite dear.

Oh, never for a moment once suppose
That I, a single ordinance of Yours, oppose.
I simply ask if it be fair
For me to hold one treasure here,
And all others there.

All delights I lay in full measure
Upon the stores of heaven, save this part:
On earth my wife is my treasure,
And in my treasure lay my heart.