O lassies unburdened with cares, And boys with your blessings unbought, There's a beautiful garment that each of you wears, -- The wonderful garment of thought. It clothes you from head to your feet, It wraps you without and within, It first is discerned by the people you meet, And serves to repel them or win. Each thought that is true to the right Embroiders the garment with gold, Or adds to its graces a jewel of light That kings would rejoice to behold. Each thought that is foul with the wrong Tears one of the jewels away, Or rends the fair garment its beauties along, Or stains it forever and aye. Ah, many a richly dressed lad Is ragged and foul in God's sight, And many a fellow most wretchedly clad Wears really the robe of delight. So before you select a new shawl, And before a new bonnet is bought, Take heed to the garb that envelops it all, The beautiful garment of thought. |