Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By EllaHigginson

1493 Beggars

CHILD with the hungry eyes,

The pallid mouth and brow,

And the lifted, asking hands,

I am more starved than thou.

I beg not on the street;

But where the sinner stands,

In secret place, I beg

Of God, with outstretched hands.

As thou hast asked of me,

Raising thy downcast head,

So have I asked of Him,

So trembling, have I plead.

Take this and go thy way;

Thy hunger shall soon cease.

Thou prayest but for bread,

And I, alas! for peace.