Lines for the
Bazaar in Aid of St. James’ National Schools, Hull.
Ye who love charity! approach and buy
These beauteous trifles spread before the eye;
All gifts of kindness, works of happy skill,
Where hands were aided by a cheerful will,
This work of bounty with delight to do,—
To train the young in all things good and true!
How great the object! noble is the aim,
From sin’s dread snares the wretched to reclaim;
But ’tis a task more angel-like and pure,
Soft infant minds by kindness to allure,
And Sacred teachings from the Page of Truth,
To yield to God the first-fruits of their youth.
’Tis in the morning’s fresh and dewy hours
That richest incense rises from the flowers;
And childhood’s heart ’ere crime’s dark paths were known,
The sweetest piety to God has shewn.
Then aid our cause, our useful schools support,
Where throngs of “little ones” each day resort,
By mental nurture to expand the mind,
To have each hand to industry inclined,
Each heart from scripture by Heaven’s mercy taught,
Religion’s ways with pleasantness are fraught;
That holy peace may dwell within each breast,
Their lives be useful, and their deaths be blest.