The pearl of great price

1 Though poor my condition, and low my degree,
Great joys in the land of the living I see;
One pearl of great price is the whole of my store,
I with this have enough, for I need nothing more.

2 I found it when sought for with sorrow and toil,
And joy'd when I fond it as finding great spoil;
Since then I have worn it quite near to my heart,
And till death with my treasure I never will part.

3 The world may despise me, with poverty prest;
They know not the treasure I bear in my breast--
The earnest of riches kept for me in heaven,
Soon the world for this pearl would be cheerfully given.

4 With this in my bosom, still onward I press,
To sum up my labour and finish my race:
This token will pass me, through heaven's high door,
And possessing it there, I shall need nothing more.