The Measure of a Man

Not, "How did he die?" but "how did he live?"
Not, "What did he gain?" but "What did he give?"
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth
Not, "What was his station?" but "Had he a heart?"
And "how did he play his God-Given part?
Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer,
To bring a smile, to banish a tear?
Not, "What was his church?" nor "What was his creed?"
But "Had he befriended those really in need?
Not, "What did the sketch in the newspaper say?"
But "How many were sorry, when he passed away?"
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

(Anon)