Deeds of Kindness

Deeds of Kindness

Suppose the little cowslip

Should hang its golden cup

And say, "I'm such a tiny flower,

I'd better now grow up"—

How many a weary traveler

Would miss its fragrant smell,

How many a little child would grieve

To lose it from the dell!

Suppose the glistening dew-drop

Upon the grass, should say,

What can a little dew-drop do?

I'd better roll away"—

The blade on which it rested,

Before the day was done,

Without a drop to moisten it,

Would wither in the sun.

Suppose the little breezes,

Upon a summer's day,

Should think themselves too small to cool

The traveler on his way—

Who would not miss the smallest

And softest ones that blow,

And think they make a great mistake

If they were talking so?

How many deeds of kindness

A little child may do,

Although it has so little strength,

And little wisdom too!

It wants a loving spirit

Much more than strength, to prove

How many things a child may do

For others, by its love.

1:16, p. 1

11.5.1859