For Charity

The sun is burning, O little maiden,
Thou hast sweet water, is it for me ?
I am so thirsty, so heavy-laden,
Give me cool water, for charity !
Sparkling and gleaming,
The crystal streaming
Seems but awaiting my only plea —
I am so thirsty, so heavy-laden,
Give me cool water, for charity !

O gentle maiden, I thirst no longer,
But sweeter waters thou hast for me :
Then pour them freely, from fountain stronger.
Sweet thoughts of kindness, for charity !
The world is only
A pathway lonely,
And hearts are waiting for sympathy ;
Then pour them freely from fountain stronger
Sweet thoughts of kindness, for charity !

O little maiden, 'tis thine to brighten,
Like sparkling waters, life's lonely lea ;
All grief to soften, all joy to heighten
With love and gladness, for charity !
Thus onward flowing,
All good bestowing,
A stream of blessing thy life shall be,
All grief to brighten, all joy to heighten
With love and gladness, for charity !