  Ah, me! the words unspoken Might have saved a soul to-day— And perhaps a heart was broken, And made hopeless by the way. If we poor blundering creatures But in wisdom would speak now, We should see more smiling features, And less gloom on many a brow. There would be far less of doubting, And far less of weary pain; If we ceased our cruel scouting; We should wider friendship gain. Many a way-worn wanderer Would rejoice if he but knew That absence maketh but fonder; That our hearts are leal and true. Why not speak the word of warning When we know that danger’s nigh? Why stand ye in idle scorning Whilst the heedless ones pass by? Why not help thy fallen brother To regain his feet once more? Do thy duty, let no other For thy help in vain implore. Why not spurn the demon slander That hath slain so many hearts? Should we listen e’en, or pander Whilst he hurls his venomed darts? To those whom we truly love? Why should we in our dull blindness Wait the summoning from above? Why not do the deed that’s noble, That life may the better be; And thus scorning the ignoble, Live in blameless purity? Such are fearless when the battle Rages on a blood-red field; Fearing not the cannon’s rattle, They but to grim death will yield. Brave hearts like these have nobly died, Fadeless crowns to such be given; The good in heart, and purified Shall wear more stars in heaven. Rest not, nor sleep, be brave of soul, Seek the lost to soothe and save; For life is brief, so near the goal, From our childhood to the grave. |
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