E. A. Woodward - The Sign-Writer lyrics

The gilded signs whose silent voices speak, Reveal those hands which genius has endowed, To check the footsteps of the hurrying crowd, And guide, unerring, to the marts they seek. Dark, devious paths oft mark the crowded way, And dangerous pitfalls there the steps betide; The sign-writer's work becomes a trusted guide, Where by-baths branch to lead the feet astray. Sublime the work through power of genius born, Though menial sphere may mark its lowly place; Its beauty will earth's highest realms adorn, And lowest depths its guiding gleams embrace. The genius writes the sign to charm the eyes, Still, that he works for gain no one denies.