| If you have a friend worth loving, |
| Love him. Yes, and let him know |
| That you love him ere life's evening |
| Tinge his brow with sunset glow; |
| Why should good words ne'er be said |
| Of a friend—till he is dead? |
| |
| If you hear a song that thrills you, |
| Sung by any child of song, |
| Praise it. Do not let the singer |
| Wait deserved praises long; |
| Why should one that thrills your heart |
| Lack that joy it may impart? |
| |
| If you hear a prayer that moves you |
| By its humble pleading tone, |
| Join it. Do not let the seeker |
| Bow before his God alone; |
| Why should not your brother share |
| The strength of "two or three" in prayer? |
|
| |
| If you see the hot tears falling |
| From a loving brother's eyes, |
| Share them, and by sharing, |
| Own your kinship with the skies; |
| Why should anyone be glad, |
| When his brother's heart is sad? |
| |
| If a silver laugh goes rippling |
| Through the sunshine on his face, |
| Share it. 'Tis the wise man's saying, |
| For both grief and joy a place; |
| There's health and goodness in the mirth |
| In which an honest laugh has birth. |
| |
| If your work is made more easy |
| By a friendly helping hand, |
| Say so. Speak out brave and truly, |
| Ere the darkness veil the land. |
| Should a brother workman dear |
| Falter for a word of cheer? |
| |
| Scatter thus your seed of kindness, |
| All enriching as you go— |
| Leave them, trust the Harvest-Giver; |
| He will make each seed to grow. |
| So, until its happy end, |
| Your life shall never lack a friend. |
