Classic Poem

Amount unmeasured by its peers,
We trace its shadow hurled,
And say it falls a hundred years
And reaches round the world!

Our Knight! Of patient, ample mind;
A form of hero part;
And face so firm it seemed to bind
The courage of his heart.

No greater in his task divine
Than great in little things;
'Twas this that made his greatness shine
Preeminent o'er kings.

On gold and bronze in honored state
His face for years has shone,
Stamp deeper, day we celebrate,
His nature on our own.

Had he foreseen what years have brought
Would he have changed his part?
He bore a nation in his thought —
Is life-beat in his heart.