The Pencil.

The Pencil. [No. 58]

Small is the Pencil, but how great its power
When the skill’d Artist guides it for some Plan
Design’d to benefit his Fellow-man!
The gift of genius is a glorious dower,
When well applied. ’Tis given that we may Bless 5
Ourselves and others. Let us use it well,
If we possess it. When the Funeral-bell
Tells of our Soul’s departure, it will less
Concern us that Mental Gifts were ours,
Than that we Used them Well, however Small: 10
For there is work to do for one and all,
At our own doors, if we will use our powers.
Where much is given, there will be most required;
But all must be by Holiness inspired.

by George Markham Tweddell 1st published c 1887