Classic Poem

Where ? into the trifles of life?
Into its folly and sin?
Into its madness and strife,
Shall the little child lead you in?

Into jealousy, envy, and hate,
And the soul's surest wrong,
Which lies in that bitter estate,
Shall the little child lead you along?

Think of the birthright that's yours!
Yours, whom Christ died to save!
Think of the world that endures,
Beyond the dead and the grave!

In view of that wonderful land
Where your inheritance lies,
In view of a little child's hand
To lead you on to the prize,

Think, think if you can of the world's purple glory!
Of its jealousy, envy, and hate,
And add if you can to the old, wicked story,
In view of that splendid estate!

In view of the child, that is waiting to lead
From the misery, madness, and scorn,
O, add if you can, to temples that bleed,
Another sharp, cruel thorn!