Preach poverty and patience to the poor, When snarling winter packs hunt down the old; Push them away and shun them from your door
Feed hungry souls with sermons and rapport, Old shepherds, keep your flocks unto the fold; Preach poverty and patience to the poor
When heaven's snow attests to hallowed floor And beggars plead for mercy from the cold, Push them away and shun them from your door
When hungry children cry 'a little more' And clamour forth with rusted tins they hold, Preach poverty and patience to the poor
When brothers, plague and famine, reach the shore, The weak and dying seek to be consoled; Push them away and shun them from your door
When paupers come with frosted feet to thaw, And fill the hall to hear kind words unfold: Preach poverty and patience to the poor, Push them away and shun them from your door