An Incident

Twas on a sunny summer day     I trod a mighty citys street,     And when I started on my way     My heart was full of fancies sweet;     But soon, as nothing could be seen,     But countenances sharp and keen,     Nought heard or seen around but told     Of something bought or something sold,     And none that seemed to think or care     That any save himself was there,     Full soon my heart began to sink     With a strange shame and inward pain,     For I was sad within to think     Of this absorbing love of gain,     And various thoughts my bosom tost;     When suddenly my path there crossed,     Locked hand in hand with one another,     A little maiden and her brother     A little maiden, and she wore     Around her waist a pinafore.     And hand in hand along the street     This pretty pair did softly go,     And as they went, their little feet     Moved in short even steps and slow     It was a sight to see and bless,     That little sisters tenderness;     One hand a tidy basket bore     Of flowers and fruit a chosen store,     Such as kind friends oft send to others     And one was fastened in her brothers.     It was a voice of meaning sweet,     And spake amid that scene of strife     Of home and homely duties meet,     And charities of daily life;     And often, should my spirit fail,     And under cold strange glances quail,     Mid busy shops and busier throng,     That speed upon their ways along     The thick and crowded thoroughfare,     Ill call to mind that little pair.