The pure, the bright, the beautiful,

That stirred our hearts in youth,

The impulses to wordless prayer,

The dreams of love and truth;

The longing after something's lost,

The spirit's yearning cry,

The striving after better hopes-

These things can never die.

The timid hand stretched forth to aid

A brother in his need,

A kindly word in grief's dark hour

That proves a friend indeed;

The plea for mercy softly breathed,

When justice threatens nigh,

The sorrow of a contrite heart-

These things shall never die.

Let nothing pass for every hand

Must find some work to do;

Lose not a chance to waken love-

Be firm,and just ,and true;

So shall a light that cannot fade

Beam on thee from on high.

And angel voices say to thee-

These things shall never die.