And my heart, how it readily aided my hand,
In the little I had to bestow!
A smile checked the tear in her dim, sunken eye,
As she clasped the small alms in her hand,
And I thought what a joy in this bright world of ours,
The wealthy might have at command;
To purchase a smile from a grief-stricken heart,
To chase back the tear ere 'tis shed,
To call a glad look to a wan, saddened face,
With a pittance that scarce would buy bread.