This poem has the ring of the right kind of sympathy. We do not know
the author:
If you have a friend worth loving
Love him, yes, and let him know
That you love him, ere life’s evening
Tinge his brow with sunset glow--
Why should good words ne’er be said,
Of a friend, until he’s dead?
If you hear a song that thrills you,
Sung by any child of song,
Praise it. Do not let the singer
Wait deserved praises long;
Why should one who thrills your heart
Lack the joy you may impart?
If you hear a prayer that moves you
By its humble, pleading tone,
Join in. Do not let the seeker
Bow before his Lord alone;
Why should not your brother share
The strength of “two or three” in prayer?
If you see the hot tears falling
From a brother’s weeping eyes,
Share them, and by kindly sharing,
Win your kinship with the skies.
Why should any one be glad
When his brother’s heart is sad?
If a silvery laugh goes rippling
Through the sunshine on his face,
Share it. ’Tis the wise man’s saying,
For both grief and joy a place.
There’s health and goodness in the mirth
In which an honest laugh hath birth.
If your work is made more easy
By a friendly helping hand,
Say so. Speak out bravely, truly,
Ere the darkness veil the land.
Should a brother workman dear
Falter for a word of cheer?
Scatter, then, your germs of kindness,
All enriching as you go;
Leave them. Trust the Harvest Giver,
Who will make each germ to grow.
So, until the happy end,
Your life will never lack a friend.
(1729)
=Kissing in the East=--See HUSBAND AND WIFE, RELATIONS BETWEEN.