The pure, the bright, the beautiful, That stirred our hearts in youth, The impulses to wordless prayer, The dreams of love and truth; The longing after something's lost, The spirit's yearning cry, The striving after better hopes- These things can never die. The timid hand stretched forth to aid A brother in his need, A kindly word in grief's dark hour That proves a friend indeed; The plea for mercy softly breathed, When justice threatens nigh, The sorrow of a contrite heart- These things shall never die. Let nothing pass for every hand Must find some work to do; Lose not a chance to waken love- Be firm,and just ,and true; So shall a light that cannot fade Beam on thee from on high. And angel voices say to thee- These things shall never die.