This world is not a fleeting show,

For man’s illusion given;

He that hath soothed a widow’s woe,

Or wiped an orphan’s tear, doth know

There’s something here of heaven.

And he who walks life’s thorny way

With feelings calm and even,

Whose path is lit, from day to day,

By virtue’s bright and steady ray,

Feels something here of heaven.

He that the Christian course hath run,

And all his foes forgiven,

Hath measured out this life’s short span

In love to God and love to man,

On earth has tasted heaven.