For bibliophiles (not maniacs!) everywhere

This poem was included in the introduction to Eugene Field's last book. I borrowed it from So Many Books, and I'm copying it here in honor of The Deputy Headmistress and her posts like this one.

The Bibliomaniac's Prayer

But if, O Lord, it pleaseth Thee
To keep me in temptation's way,
I humbly ask that I may be
Most notably beset to-day;
Let my temptation be a book,
Which I shall purchase, hold and keep,
Whereon, when other men shall look,
They'll wail to know I got it cheap.