Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As, to be hated, needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.
What might be done if men were wise-- What glorious deeds, my suffering brother, Would they unite In love and right, And cease their scorn of one another!
Oppression's heart might be imbued With kindling drops of loving-kindness, And knowledge pour From shore to shore Light on the eyes of mental blindness.
All slavery, warfare, lies, and wrongs, All vice and crime, might die together; And wine and corn To each man born Be free as warmth in summer weather.
The meanest wretch that ever trod, The deepest sunk in guilt and sorrow, Might stand erect In self-respect, And share the teeming world to-morrow.
What might be done? This might be done. And more than this, my suffering brother; More than the tongue E'er said or sung If men were wise and loved each other.
If I could see A brother languishing in sore distress, And I should turn and leave him comfortless, When I might be A messenger of hope and happiness-- How could I ask to have that I denied In my own hour of bitterness supplied?
If I might share A brother's load along the dusty way, And I should turn and walk alone that day, How could I dare-- When in the evening watch I kneel to pray-- To ask for help to bear my pain and loss, If I had heeded not my brother's cross?
I said it in the meadow path, I say it on the mountain-stairs: The best things any mortal hath Are those which every mortal shares.
The air we breathe--the sky--the breeze-- The light without us and within-- Life with its unlocked treasuries-- God's riches, are for all to win.
The grass is softer to my tread For rest it yields unnumbered feet; Sweeter to me the wild-rose red Because she makes the whole world sweet.
Into your heavenly loneliness Ye welcomed me, O solemn peaks! And me in every guest you bless Who reverently your mystery seeks.
And up the radiant peopled way That opens into worlds unknown It will be life's delight to say, "Heaven is not heaven for me alone."
Rich through my brethren's poverty! Such wealth were hideous! I am blest Only in what they share with me, In what I share with all the rest.