Folgenden Text fand man bei einem gefallenen Soldaten des Amerik. Bürgerkrieges. Er kämpfte zwar auf der Verliererseite, aber gewonnen hatte er einiges:
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.I asked for health, that I might do great things,
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things.I asked for riches, that I might be happy,
I was given poverty, that I might be wise.I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life,
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.I am, among all men, most richly blessed.