Classic Poem

As Pity looked down from on high,
So smilingly, sweetly, and meek,
A tear-drop that stood in her eye
Fell on a Drunkard's cheek.

Astonished, he looked above,
Not a star overhead could he see;
He said: " 'T is a tear-drop of love
Shed by Ella for me. "

For he thought of the wife of his youth,
Of the heart he had broken when won;
And that tear-drop conveyed a reproof
For the spirit his crimes had undone.

His feelings were seared by the thought,
Heaven's sunlight had entered his soul,
One of Pity's bright tear-drops had wrought
A deep-seated hate of the bowl.

Oh! deal not unjustly severe
With the Drunkard you meet in your path,
For Pity does more by a Tear,
Than the strong can accomplish in wrath.