But when he thanked them for their aid

But when he thanked them for their aid, And hoped they yet might be repaid For acting such a friendly part, His words appeared to pierce each heart. For well they knew that other hands Than theirs had laid his grain in bands, That other backs had bent in toil To save the products of the soil. And then they felt as such folk will Who fail to nobly act, until More earnest helpers, stepping in, Do all the praise and honor win.