Psalms of the Brethren CCXVIII: Jenta

Infatuated with my birth, my wealth
And influence, with the beauty of my form
Intoxicated, thus I led my life.

O’ermuch I fancied none was like to me.
A poor young fool by overweening spoilt,
Stubborn with pride, posing and insolent.

Mother and father, ay, and others too
Claiming respect and honour, never one
Did I salute, discourteous, stiff with pride.

Then saw I Him the Guide, Leader Supreme,
The peerless Chief mong drivers of mankind,
In glory shining like the sun, with all
The company of brethren in his train.

Casting away conceit and wanton pride,
A pious gladness filling all my heart,
Lowly I rendered homage with the head
To Him among all creatures Best and Chief.

Well extirpated now and put away
Is both o’erweening and hypocrisy;
The what and that ‘I am’ is snapt in twain,
Yea, every form of self-conceit is slain.