The Good Part That Shall Not Be Taken Away

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

    She dwells by Great Kenhawa's side,
        In valleys green and cool;
    And all her hope and all her pride
        Are in the village school.

    Her soul, like the transparent air
        That robes the hills above,
    Though not of earth, encircles there
        All things with arms of love.

    And thus she walks among her girls
        With praise and mild rebukes;
    Subduing e'en rude village churls
        By her angelic looks.

    She reads to them at eventide
        Of One who came to save;
    To cast the captive's chains aside
        And liberate the slave.

    And oft the blessed time foretells
        When all men shall be free;
    And musical, as silver bells,
        Their falling chains shall be.

    And following her beloved Lord,
        In decent poverty,
    She makes her life one sweet record
        And deed of charity.

    For she was rich, and gave up all
        To break the iron bands
    Of those who waited in her hall,
        And labored in her lands.

    Long since beyond the Southern Sea
        Their outbound sails have sped,
    While she, in meek humility,
        Now earns her daily bread.

    It is their prayers, which never cease,
        That clothe her with such grace;
    Their blessing is the light of peace
        That shines upon her face.