Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Be Kind ("…to thy father…")

Be Kind.

Be kind to thy father, for when thou wast young, Who loved thee as fondly as he?He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, "And joined in thine innocent glee.

Be kind to thy father, for now he is old, His locks intermingled with gray,His footsteps are feeble, once fearless and bold; Thy father is passing away.

Be kind to thy mother, for, lo! on her brow May traces of sorrow be seen:Oh, well may'st thou cherish and comfort her now, For loving and kind hath she been.Remember thy mother, for thee will she pray, As long as God giveth her breath;With accents of kindness, then, cheer her lone way, E'en to the dark valley of death.

Be kind to thy brother, his heart will have dearth, If the smile of thy love be withdrawn;The flowers of feeling will fade at their birth, If the dew of affection be gone.Be kind to thy brother, wherever you are, The love of a brother shall beAn ornament, purer and richer by far, Than pearls from the depths of the sea.

Be kind to thy sister, not many may know The depth of true sisterly love;The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below The surface that sparkles above.Thy kindness shall bring to thee many sweet hours, And blessings thy pathway to crown,Affection shall weave thee a garland of flowers, More precious than wealth or renown.