Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONG: FOR CHARITY, by FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONG: FOR CHARITY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The sun is burning, o little maiden
Last Line: With love and gladness, for charity!
Subject(s): Charity; Philanthropy


THE sun is burning, O little maiden,
Thou hast sweet water, is it for me?
I am so thirsty, so heavy-laden,
Give me cool water, for charity!
Sparkling and gleaming,
The crystal streaming
Seems but awaiting my only plea—
I am so thirsty, so heavy-laden,
Give me cool water, for charity!

O gentle maiden, I thirst no longer,
But sweeter waters thou hast for me:
Then pour them freely, from fountain stronger,
Sweet thoughts of kindness, for charity!
The world is only
A pathway lonely,
And hearts are waiting for sympathy;
Then pour them freely from fountain stronger
Sweet thoughts of kindness, for charity!

O little maiden, 'tis thine to brighten,
Like sparkling waters, life's lonely lea;
All grief to soften, all joy to heighten
With love and gladness, for charity!
Thus onward flowing,
All good bestowing,
A stream of blessing thy life shall be;
All grief to brighten, all joy to heighten
With love and gladness, for charity!





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