The Morning Star ‎#88

88. If we knew

1 If we knew, when walking tho'tless
Thro' the crowded, noisy way,
That some pearl of wondrous whiteness
Close beside our pathway lay,
We would pause, when now we hasten,
We would often look around,
Lest our careless feet should trample
Some rare jewel in the ground.

2 If we knew, when genius struggled
Thro' the weary nights and days,
Sighing for some word of comfort,
Little word of hope and praise;
Boughs of palm, and leaves of laurel
We would place within their hands,
Little deeds with pleasant meanings,
Hungry hearts can understand.

3 If we knew, when friends around us
Closely press to say "Good-by,"
Which among the lips that kiss us,
First should 'neath the daisies lie,
We would throw our arms around them,
Looking on them thro' our tears;
Tender words of love eternal,
We would whisper in their ears.

4 If we knew, alas! and do we
Ever care or seek to know,
Whether bitter herbs or roses
In our neighbor's garden grow?
Better far along life's pathway,
Keep this golden rule in view,
"You should always care for others,
As you'd have them care for you."

Text Information

• First Line: If we knew, when walking tho'tless
• Title: If we knew
• Author: Mrs. E. H. Gates
• Publication Date: 1877
• Copyright: From "Additional Fresh Leaves," by permission.

Tune Information

• Name: [If we knew, when walking tho'tless]
• Composer: T. C. O'Kane
• Key: E♭ Major