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

I had walked life's path with an easy tread,
Had followed where comfort and pleasures lead;
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 the body; none for the 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 reared them high
Till their towers 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 "O Christ, wilt Thou make me meet
To follow the steps of Thy wounded feet"
My thought is now for souls of men
I have lost my life to find it again
Ever since one day in a quiet place
I met the Master face to face