Our greatest need is of love,
and its greatest source is above.
In all we seek we search for joy,
in this our strength we do employ.
In all our searching we long for peace,
that our security we might increase.
We know the beauty of persistent patience,
for all have needed others to be gracious.
How lovely is the propriety of kindness,
in those who for malice have only blindness.
We all esteem the quality of goodness,
and with such things are content to rest.
A friend knows the need of faithfulness,
without which a heart can be torn abreast.
The wise know the greatness of gentleness,
which the proud only feel in moments of weakness.
Like a raging fire is a man without self-control,
while those who walk in wisdom men do extol.
Alas, from what source can all such qualities come?
Those knowing their own heart, know only one.