John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892). The Poetical Works in Four Volumes. 1892.
Occasional PoemsHymn of the Children
T
Thine the broken bread;
Let the naked feet be shod,
And the starving fed.
Give as they abound,
Till the poor have breathing-space,
And the lost are found.
Is the giver’s choice;
Sweeter than the song of birds
Is the thankful voice.
As the flowers of spring;
Let the tender hearts be glad
With the joy they bring.
Make their sports and plays,
And from lips of childhood take
Thy perfected praise!