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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


CHARITY, IN DESPAIR OF JUSTICE by ELIZABETH OAKES PRINCE SMITH

First Line: OUT-WEARIED WITH THE LITTLENESS AND SPITE
Last Line: ALL KNOWN TO GOD, -- AND ASK OF MEN, SWEET CHARITY.
Subject(s): CHARITY; PHILANTHROPY;

OUT-WEARIED with the littleness and spite,
The falsehood and the treachery of men,
I cried, give me but justice, thinking then
I meekly craved a common boon which might
Most easily be granted; soon the light
Of deeper truth grew on my wondering ken,
(Escaped baneful damps of stagnant fen,)
And then I saw, that in my pride bedight
I claim'd from erring man the gift of Heaven --
God's own great vested right; and I grew calm,
With folded hands like stone to patience given,
And pityings of pure love-distilling balm; --
And now I wait in quiet trust to be
All known to God, -- and ask of men, sweet Charity.



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