LESSON 54 LITTLE THINGS

LITTLE THINGS

crumb journey kin-dle

fore-tell goods blight

cheer-less re-veals des-pise

mess-age grudge gos-pel

con-founds dwarf beacon

1. A crumb will feed a little bird,

　A thought prevent an angry word,

　A seed bring forth full many a flower,

　A drop of rain foretell a shower!

2. A little cloud the sun will hide,

　A dwarf may prove a giant's guide,

　A narrow plank a safe bridge form,

　A smile some cheerless spirit warm.

3. A step begins the journey long,

　A weak head oft outwits the strong,

　A gull defies 〔1〕 the angry sea,

　A word will set a captive free!

4. A hornet goads 〔2〕 a mighty beast,

　A cry of "fire" breaks up a feast,

　A glass shows wonders in the skies,

　A little child confounds 〔3〕 the wise!

5. A straw the wild wind's course reveals 〔4〕 ,

　A kind act oft an old grudge 〔5〕 heals,

　A beacon light 〔6〕 saves many a life,

　A slight 〔7〕 will often kindle strife 〔8〕 !

6. A puff of smoke betrays the flame,

　A pen-stroke e'en will blight 〔9〕 a name,

　A little hand may alms bestow,

　A message small brings joy or woe!

7. The widow's mite a great gift proved;

　A mother's prayer has heaven moved:

　"Then let us not," the poet sings,

　"Despise 〔10〕 the gospel of small things."

注释

〔1〕 defies: Laughs at; braves.

〔2〕 goads: stings into madness.

〔3〕 confounds: puzzles.

〔4〕 reveals: shows plainly.

〔5〕 grudge: ill-feeling towards someone.

〔6〕 beacon light: a light set to guide, as in a lighthouse.

〔7〕 slight: act of neglect.

〔8〕 kindle strife: start quarrels.

〔9〕 blight: wither; injure.

〔10〕 despise: look down upon with scorn.