O Sweeter Than The Flagrant Flower, by William Drennan

From The Cabinet of Irish Literature, Volume 2, edited by Charles A. Read

O Sweeter Than The Flagrant Flower

O sweeter than the fragrant flower,
At evening's dewy close,
The will, united with the power,
To succour human woes!

And softer than the softest strain
Of music to the ear,
The placid joy we give and gain,
By gratitude sincere.

The husbandman goes forth a-field;
What hopes his heart expand!
What calm delight his labours yield!
A harvest--from his hand!

A hand that providently throws,
Not dissipates in vain;
How neat his field! how clean it grows!
What produce from each grain!

The nobler husbandry of mind,
And culture of the heart,--
Shall this with men less favour find,
Less genuine joy impart?

O! no--your goodness strikes a root
That dies not, nor decays--
And future life shall yield the fruit,
Which blossoms now in praise.

The youthful hopes, that now expand
Their green and tender leaves,
Shall spread a plenty o'er the land,
In rich and yellow sheaves.

Thus, a small bounty well bestowed
May perfect Heaven's high plan;
First daughter to the love of God,
Is Charity to Man.

'Tis he who scatters blessings round
Adores his Maker best;
His walk through life is mercy-crowned,
His bed of death is blest.