Classic Poem

Master! thy chosen mission in this land
Was one of melody and art divine;
Thou cam'st to purify and to refine,
And teach us what was beautiful and grand.

Thy restless spirit, nurtured to command,
Warmed us and moved us like a generous wine!
While every honor of this boon is thine,
Created by thy brain and nobly planned.

The deathless bays are many on thy brow;
Thou hast not labored o'er life's path in vain;
At lofty shrines thy head alone would bow.
Therefore our gratitude can never wane,
And for all time, thy memory, as now,
Sweet and imperishable will remain.