See the rivers flowing downward to the sea,
Pouring all their treasures bountiful and free;
Yet, to help their giving, hidden streams arise,
Or, if need be, showers feed them from the skies.
Watch the princely flowers their rich fragrance spread;
Load the air with perfume from their beauty shed.
Still their lavish spending leaves them not in death,
With fresh life replenished from their mother earth.
So the more thou spendest from thy little store,
With a double bounty, God will give thee more.
—Adelaide Anne Procter