John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892). The Poetical Works in Four Volumes. 1892.
Religious PoemsGiving and Taking
W
Nor counts on favor, fame, or praise,
Shall find his smallest gift outweighs
The burden of the sea and land.
His gift in need, though small indeed
As is the grass-blade’s wind-blown seed,
Is large as earth and rich as heaven.
A gift shall fall, while yet on earth;
Yea, even to thy seven-fold birth
Recall it in the lives to come.
Sins much; but greater sin is his
Who, fed and clothed with kindnesses,
Shall count the holy alms as nought.
Shall know of sin the deadliest cost;
The patience of the heavens is lost
Beholding man’s unthankfulness.
In Sivam’s mercy be forgiven;
But none can save, in earth or heaven,
The wretch who answers good with ill.