Ambition, and Other Poems/Charity

by William Henry Davies

Charity

Things that are dear to me at home, Need all my help, and more;And many a kindly thought I kill, For the stranger at my door;Yet every generous impulse slain, Is a ghost that haunts me still.

It's better that a woman had A love-child at her breast,Than live a heartless, selfish maid; It's better that a man should trustA worthless knave, than never have His love or innocence betrayed.