If A Child’s Bright Eyes

If a child’s bright eyes were ever hurt by me,
On purpose or accidentally;
I should think it the worst pain a being could stand,
And fear revocation, even as man.
For he who could wound such a trusting face
Should not find his shelter any place,
And one who’s heart not cleave in two
At any cruelties that he should do
To the innocent heart housed in a babe,
Could do anything; no conscience’s slave.
If any on earth were worthy of fear,
It would be the one that sheds no tear,
So for broken child; as for wounded bird,
Please don’t let their least plea go unheard.