JESSIE BY THE FOUNTAIN

Jessie by the fountain stood With pitcher in her hand; She dipped it in the crystal flood And gave each thirsty man Who from the hay fields gathered there, And standing near the brink, From a gentle hand so fair Received the cooling drink. A smile of joy was in her eye, A consciousness of good; She felt a blessing from on high, Approval of her God. Water pure is all they need To drive their thirst away; So again they all proceed To work amid the hay. Then drink of water pure and clear, From stimulants refrain, 'Twill not with business interfere Or cause a muddled brain. Another stands behind the bar, Rather out of place; A seared conscience seems to mar The beauty of her face. She cares not for children's woes Or anxious mother's need; While money to her coffer goes To gratify her greed. Men go there their thirst to check With brandy, rum and gin; She throws a halter round their necks Which drags them there again. Their money gone and senses too, More thirsty than before; What do these foolish mortals do But beg and plead for more. They stagger out into the street, With curses on their tongue, With palsied hands and tangled feet, A sight for old and young. Which one is a source of pride And which a social scar, Jessie by the fountain side, Or Greed behind the bar?