Flowers without Fruit

John Henry Newman (1801–1890)

PRUNE thou thy words; the thoughts control

That o’er thee swell and throng;—

They will condense within thy soul,

And change to purpose strong.

But he who lets his feelings run

In soft luxurious flow,

Shrinks when hard service must be done,

And faints at every woe.

Faith’s meanest deed more favor bears,

Where hearts and wills are weighed,

Than brightest transports, choicest prayers,

Which bloom their hour, and fade.