WHILE the Poor gather round, till the end of time May this bright flower of Charity display Its bloom, unfolding at the appointed day; Flower than the loveliest of the vernal prime Lovelier -- transplanted from heaven's purest clime! "Charity never faileth:" on that creed, More than on written testament or deed, The pious Lady built with hope sublime. Alms on this stone to be dealt out, 'for ever!' "LAUS DEO." Many a Stranger passing by Has with that Parting mixed a filial sigh, Blest its humane Memorial's fond endeavour; And, fastening on those lines an eye tear-glazed, Has ended, though no Clerk, with "God be praised!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE ANNIVERSARY [ANNIVERSARIE] by JOHN DONNE THE OLD BRIDGE by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER AMERICA A PROPHECY by WILLIAM BLAKE WORK AND CONTEMPLATION by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE BELLES OF MAUCHLINE by ROBERT BURNS THE FIRST KISS AT PARTING by ROBERT BURNS A BOOK OF AIRS: SONG 5 by THOMAS CAMPION TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: PART 3. NOT FOR A FEW MONTHS OR YEARS by EDWARD CARPENTER |