Loss and Gain

Hoarding can but bring thee loss;
     Wealth is found alone in giving; 
Treasures kept, resolve to dross;
     Love by loving, life by living, 
Still augments, and richer grows 
For the largess it bestows: 
Outward-flowing, it shall be 
Ever flowing back to thee.

Thus the more thou giv'st, the more
     Still, in giving, shall be thine; 
Thus shall thy replenished store 
     Overflow with wealth divine. 
Joy and peace thy heart shall fill, 
While that heart shall widen still, 
Till to its embrace is given 
All of good in earth and heaven.
 

Title
Loss and Gain
First Line
Hoarding can but bring thee loss
Creator
Daguerreotype of William BurleighWilliam Henry Burleigh
Bibliographic Citation
Burleigh, William Henry, and Celia Burleigh. Poems by William H. Burleigh. With a Sketch of his Life by Celia Burleigh. New York: Hurd and Houghton, 1871, 294.
Date
1871
Period
Late
Subject
Virtue
Comments
First stanza is more interesting - poetically and philosophically - than the second stanza
Related Resource
Part of the final grouping of poems in the 1871 volume entitled "Faith and Aspiration." Unclear if this is an editorial addition by Celia Burleigh, or the original intent of William H. Burleigh.
Rating
★★★
Item sets
Burleigh Resources ALL
William Henry Burleigh Poems
Media
Loss and GainLoss and Gain