Classic Poem

Brother , your lyrics pass the laws of kings
Whose dread decrees but steeled the captive's heart
Your home-taught lays a softer power impart,—
Love, joy, and peace, the might that mercy brings:
And, though your muse lack flight of angel's wings,
To walk and talk with men is no mean art,
Strong in life's straits, secure against death's dart,
Attuned to truth, foreprizing hallowed things.
Not of the mockers, nor of those who make
Love's sacrament a feasting, passion-spiced;
Not lucre-thralled, nor cankered with the ache
Of envy; free of almsdeed honour-priced;
Not of the world; but humbly, for His sake,
Striving the nobler manhood after Christ.