If I can throw a single ray of light across the darkened pathway of another;
If I can aid some soul to clearer sight of life and duty, and thus bless my brother;
If I can wipe from any human cheek a tear,
I shall not have lived my life in vain while here.
If I can guide some erring one to truth, inspire within his heart a sense of duty;
If I can plant within my soul of rosy youth a sense of right, a love of truth and beauty;
If I can teach one man that God and heaven are near,
I shall not then have lived in vain while here.