But his choice of the subject proved a forecast of the noble uses which Jasmin was afterwards enabled to make of his poetical talents.
Man, he said in his verses, is truly great, chiefly through his charity.
The compassionate man, doing his works of benevolence, though in secret, in a measure resembles the Divine Author of his being.

The following is the introductory passage of the poem:-- "As we behold at sea great ships of voyagers Glide o'er the waves to billows white with spray, And to another world the hardy travellers convey; Just as bold savants travel through the sky To illustrate the world which they espy, Men without ceasing cry, 'How great is man!' But no! Great God! How infinitely little he! Has he a genius?
'Tis nothing without goodness! Without some grace, no grandeur do we rate.
It is the tender-hearted who show charity in kindness.
Unseen of men, he hides his gift from sight, He does all that he owes in silent good, Like the poor widow's mite; Yet both are great, Great above all--great as the Grace of God." This is, of course, a very feeble attempt to render the words of Jasmin.
He was most pathetic when he recounted the sorrows of the poor.

While doing so, he avoided exciting their lower instincts.

He disavowed all envy of the goods of others.

He maintained respect for the law, while at the same time he exhorted the rich to have regard for their poorer brethren.