Page:Poems Davidson.djvu/92

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CHARITY. A VERSIFICATION OF PART OF THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF FIRST CORINTHIANS.
Through I were gifted with an angel's tongue,
And voice like that with which the prophets sung,
Yet if mild charity were not within,
"Twere all an impious mockery and sin.

Though I the gift of prophecy possessed,
And faith like that which Abraham professed,
They all were like a tinkling cymbal's sound,
If meek-eyed charity did not abound.

Though I to feed the poor my goods bestow,
And to the flames my body I should throw,
Yet the vain act would never cover sin
If heaven-born charity were not within.

  1820.