Poem September 19, 1901 Issue

Let Something Good be Said

James Whitcomb Riley

When over the fair fame of friend or foe
The shadow of disgrace shall fall; instead
Of words of blame, or proof of thus and so,
Let something good be said.

Forget not that no fellow being yet
Many fall so low but love may lift his head;
Even the cheek of shame with tears is wet
If something good be said.

No generous heart may vainly turn aside
In ways of sympathy; no soul so dead
But may awaken strong and glorified
If something good be said.

And so I charge ye by the thorny crown
And by the cross on which the Saviour bled.
And by your own soul's hope of fair renown,
Let something good be said.

James Whitcomb Riley.

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