The tear of Gratitude

The following song (written for the occasion, by S. Woodworth) was sung at the Concert, for the benefit of the Female Assistance Society, in the City of New York.
The tear of Gratitude
Air - Soldier's Gratitude

There is a gem more pearly bright,
    More dear to mercy's eye,
Than love's sweet star, whose mellow light,
    First cheers the evening sky;
A liquid pearl, that glitters where
    No sorrows now intrude,
A richer gem than Monarchs wear
    The tear of gratitude.
But ne'er shall narrow love of self
    Invite this tribute forth.
Nor can the sordid slave of pelf
    Appreciate its worth;
But ye, who soothe the widow's woe,
    And give the orphan food,
For you this liquid pearl shall flow,
The tear of gratitude.

Ye who but slake an infant's thirst
    In Heavenly Mercy's name,
Or proffer Penury a Crust
    The sweet reward may claim;
"Then while you rove life's sunny banks,
    With sweetest flowerets strew'd,
Still may you claim the widow's thanks,
    The orphan's gratitude.

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