Shut not thy purse-strings always against painted distress.

Shut not thy purse-strings always against painted distress.

It never was our guise
To slight the poor, or aught humane despise.

It never was our guise
To slight the poor, or aught humane despise.

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame.

Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me.

Who gives himself with his alms feeds three,
Himself, his hungering neighbor, and me.

He is one of those wise philanthropists who, in a time of famine,
would vote for nothing but a read more

He is one of those wise philanthropists who, in a time of famine,
would vote for nothing but a supply of toothpicks.

To steale the Hog, and give the feet for almes.
[To steal the hog, and give the feet to read more

To steale the Hog, and give the feet for almes.
[To steal the hog, and give the feet to alms.]

Alas! for the rarity
Of Christian charity
Under the sun.
Oh! it was pitiful!
read more

Alas! for the rarity
Of Christian charity
Under the sun.
Oh! it was pitiful!
Near a whole city full,
Home had she none.

To pity distress it but human; to relieve it is Godlike.

To pity distress it but human; to relieve it is Godlike.

He believed that he was born, not for himself, but for the whole
world.
[Lat., Nec sibi sed read more

He believed that he was born, not for himself, but for the whole
world.
[Lat., Nec sibi sed toti genitum se credere mundo.]