Classic Poem

At the crowded corner of a street,
Where all the busy people meet,
As I went by this afternoon
A man was tapping with a stick,
And saying: " Please, someone, be kind
And lead me over; I am blind. "

I took him by the arm, and soon
We both were on the other side.
I shook his hand, and said: " All right! "

But in the blue and golden day
It pierced me through to hear him say:
" Thank you, friend — good-night! "