Deeds Of Kindness By Epes Sargent

Suppose the little Cowslip
—Should hang its golden cup
And say, “I’m such a little flower
—I’d better not grow up!”
How many a weary traveller
—Would miss its fragrant smell,
How many a little child would grieve
—To lose it from the dell!

Suppose the glistening Dewdrop
—Upon the grass should say,
“What can a little dewdrop 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 traveller on his way:
Who would not miss the smallest
—And softest ones that blow,
And think they made a great mistake
—If they were acting so?

How many deed of kindness
—A little child can do,
Although it has but 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.