I had walked life's way with an easy tread,

Had followed where comforts and pleasures led,

Until one day in a quiet place,

I met the Master face to face.

With station and rank and wealth for my goal,

Much thought for my body but none for my soul,

I had entered to win in life's mad race,

When I met the Master face to face.

I had built my castles and built them high,

With their domes had pierced the blue of the sky,

I had sworn to rule with an iron mace,

When I met the Master face to face.

I met Him and knew Him and blushed to see,

That His eyes full of sorrow were fixed on me;

And I faltered and fell at His feet that day,

While my castles melted and vanished away.

Melted and vanished, and in their place,

Naught else did I see but the Master's face.

And I cried aloud, "Oh, make me meek,

To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet."

My thought is now for the souls of men,

I have lost my life to find it again,

E'er since one day in a quiet place,

I met the Master face to face.