| Every coin of earthly treasure |
| We have lavished upon earth |
| For our simple worldly pleasure |
| May be reckoned something worth; |
| For the spending was not losing, |
| Tho' the purchase were but small; |
| It has perished with the using. |
| We have had it—that is all! |
| |
| All the gold we leave behind us, |
| When we turn to dust again, |
| Tho' our avarice may blind us, |
| We have gathered quite in vain; |
| Since we neither can direct it, |
| By the winds of fortune tost, |
| Nor in other worlds expect it; |
| What we hoarded we have lost. |
| |
| But each merciful oblation— |
| Seed of pity wisely sown, |
| What we gave in self-negation, |
| We may safely call our own; |
| For the treasure freely given |
| Is the treasure that we hoard, |
| Since the angels keep in heaven, |
| What is lent unto the Lord. |
| |
| John G. Saxe. |
