Poems (Stephens)/Earth's treasures
EARTH'S TREASURES.
The dearest smile is that which greets The wanderer from his native land,Who, houseless, homeless, journeys on Where few his speech can understand; But if his call at plenty's door Is answered with a kindly smile,Though hungry, cold and lonely too, It brightens life a little while.
The sweetest lips are those that breathe In mercy's soft but meaning tone, Of peace and pardon, full and free, Awaiting the repentant one; That bring a message full of hope Where health and wealth have been denied, Or whisper tender sympathy To those overwhelmed by sorrow's tide.
The fairest hands are those that soothe The brow that's racked by feverish pain—That bind up wounds as with a balm Restoring them to health again; That feed the poor of every kind, In lowly hut or wildwood haunts, That give to age a friendly aid, And minister to childish wants.
The purest hearts may ne'er possess What most delights the vain and gay; They bow not to ambition's rule Nor yield to pride's delusive sway, But rich in justice, peace and truth They live earth's sordid things above,Contented well in duty's sphere, And happy in unselfish love.