1. Neither lifeless nor living, giving abundantly
Yet taking naught, two contraries reconciled,

2. The speechless, sound dispensing treasured store;
To rich and poor alike it opes its door.

3. The child of Africa’s and Europe’s race
With joy or sadness, every feeling trace,

4. Is welcomed in its warm embrace.
Its blood may vanish, drain out every drop,

5. But grieved it will not weep with starting tear
When gone, no death knell wildly clang

6. Watered each day, yet without drink its fill
Unhesitatingly it gives, and will not linger,

7. Head bare, yet heedless of the cold night air,
Slice off a piece to sole your shoe? It will not care!