Hymns and Odes for Charity Occasions VI

Weary travellers are we, And our word is briefly spoken; We must lean on charity, For our "stay and staff" is broken. We are widows;--o'er the dead Oft we bend, to feed our sorrow; But the grave can give no bread, And we have none for to-morrow. We are fatherless;--the crowd Passes by and does not heed us. We are hungry;--but the proud Shelter not, nor clothe, nor feed us. From our loved and lost ones parted, We are journeying on alone. We are sick and broken-hearted,-- For our hearts were not of stone. We would gladly serve you, neighbour, Could we earn the coarsest meal; But, we 're yet too young to labor;-- Must we starve,--or, must we steal? We'll do neither!--there are, round us, Pitying hearts and willing hands; Woman's melting eye has found us; She beside us pleading stands. Our fair friends, here, have been vying With each other in our aid, Night and day their needles plying,-- See, what charming things they've made! Let us lead you to this table, By their fairy fingers dressed;-- As you stand here, you'll be able To look round on all the rest. This young lady is our sister;-- Is n't this a rare display? There! we knew you'd not resist her;-- Pray you, Madam, step this way. This good woman is our mother, For a mother's heart is hers. All good people help each other, All are thus God's ministers. Friends, we have been faint and weary Travellers on life's thorny way; But our path looks now less dreary; Sunshine falls upon 't to-day. Love's warm sunshine! How resplendent Art thou to the Orphan boy, Whom thou makest Independent, On this day of general joy!