Nathaniel A. Haven (1790-1826). The Purse of Charity. Samuel Kettell, ed. 1829. Specimens of American Poetry

Samuel Kettell, ed. Specimens of American Poetry. 1829.

The Purse of Charity

By Nathaniel A. Haven (1790–1826)


THIS little purse, of silver thread
And silken cords entwined,
Was given, to ease the painful bed,
And soothe the anxious mind.

The maker’s secret bounty flows,	5
To bid the poor rejoice,
And many a child of sorrow knows
The music of her voice.

The little purse her hands have wrought,
Should bear her image still;	10
And with her generous feelings fraught,
Her liberal plans fulfil.

Its glittering thread should never daunt
The humble child of wo;
But well the asking eye of want	15
Its silver spring should know.

While age or youth with misery dwell,
To cold neglect consign’d,
No useless treasures e’er should swell
The purse with silver twined.	20