Charles Mackay

Thoughts

True thoughts, your days of grief are done,
No more shall scorn or hate impede you;
Born in the light, wherever the sun
Shines on mankind, mankind shall heed you.
So grow, ye grains of mustard-seed,
Grow each into a tree;
And kindle, sparks, to beal-fires bright,
That all the earth may see;
And spread, ye thoughts of Truth and Right,
O'er all humanity!

Time was, when thoughts bore tears and death
To the wise few that dared to raise them;
Time is, when thoughts are living breath,
And the world's throbbing heart obeys them.
So grow, ye grains of mustard-seed,
Grow each into a tree;
And kindle, sparks, to beal-fires bright,
That all the earth may see;
And spread, ye workers for the Right,
Onwards eternally!