Poems (Stephens)/Earth's treasures

by Eliza Jane Stephens

EARTH'S TREASURES.

The dearest smile is that which greets
 The wanderer from his native land,
Who, houseless, homeless, journeys on
 Where few his speech can understand;
But if his call at plenty's door
 Is answered with a kindly smile,
Though hungry, cold and lonely too,
 It brightens life a little while.

The sweetest lips are those that breathe
 In mercy's soft but meaning tone,
Of peace and pardon, full and free,
 Awaiting the repentant one;
That bring a message full of hope
 Where health and wealth have been denied,
Or whisper tender sympathy
 To those overwhelmed by sorrow's tide.

The fairest hands are those that soothe
 The brow that's racked by feverish pain—
That bind up wounds as with a balm
 Restoring them to health again;
That feed the poor of every kind,
 In lowly hut or wildwood haunts,
That give to age a friendly aid,
 And minister to childish wants.

The purest hearts may ne'er possess
 What most delights the vain and gay;
They bow not to ambition's rule
 Nor yield to pride's delusive sway,
But rich in justice, peace and truth
 They live earth's sordid things above,
Contented well in duty's sphere,
 And happy in unselfish love.