Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews,

And nobler speech, that angels use,

If love be absent, I am found,

Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.

Were I inspired to preach and tell

All that is done in heav'n and hell;

Or could my faith the world remove,

Still I am nothing without love.

Should I distribute all my store

To feed the bowels of the poor,

Or give my body to the flame,

To gain a martyr's glorious name;

If love to God and love to men

Be absent, all my hopes are vain;

Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal,

The work of love can e'er fulfil.