A VERSIFICATION OF PART OF THE THIRTEENTH CHAPTER OF FIRST CORINTHIANS.
Through I were gifted with an angel's tongue, And voice like that with which the prophets sung, Yet if mild charity were not within, "Twere all an impious mockery and sin.
Though I the gift of prophecy possessed, And faith like that which Abraham professed, They all were like a tinkling cymbal's sound, If meek-eyed charity did not abound.
Though I to feed the poor my goods bestow, And to the flames my body I should throw, Yet the vain act would never cover sin If heaven-born charity were not within.
