Kahlil Gibran - The Hymn Of Man lyrics

I was, And I am. So shall I be to the end of time, For I am without end. I have cleft the vast spaces of the infinite, and Taken flight in the world of fantasy, and drawn nigh To the circle of light on high. Yet behold me a captive of matter. I have hearkened to the teachings of Confucius, And listened to the wisdom of Brahma, and sat Beside the Buddha beneath the tree of knowledge. Behold me now contending with ignorance and Unbelieving. I was upon Sinai when the Lord showed Himself To Moses. By the Jordan I beheld the Nazarene's Miracles. In Medina I heard the words of the Apostle of Arabia. Behold me now a prisoner of doubt. I have seen Babylon's strength and Egypt's glory And the greatness of Greece. My eyes cease not Upon the smallness and poverty of their works. I have sat with the witch of Endor and the priests Of Assyria and the prophets of Palestine, and I cease Not to chant the truth. I have learned the wisdom that descended on India, and gained mastery over poetry that welled From the Arabian's heart, and hearkened to the Music of people from the West. Yet am I blind and see not; my ears are stopped And I do not hear. I have borne the harshness of insatiable Conquerors, and felt the oppression of tyrants and the bondage of the powerful. Yet am I strong to do battle with the days. All this have I heard and seen, and I am yet a Child. In truth shall I hear and see the deeds of Youth, and grow old and attain perfection and Return to God. I was, And I am. So shall I be to the end of time, For I am without end.