THINE is the heritage of ancient birth, Age upon age hath dawned since first thy race Was cradled in the empurpled East: the place Whence seer and king have sprung—the great of earth. And thine the heritage of higher worth; The large-souled Charity, whose pitying grace Hath left nor land nor sea without its trace, And raised a plenteous harvest 'midst the dearth, But thine a greater heritage than these; The heaven-born Faith, thy sires have taught the world Which lifts thine eyes to God without surcease, And bid thee guard His banner, wide unfurled. That deathless Faith make thou thy steadfast star, Thy heart shall know a peace no pain can mar. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FAITH by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON BABY MAY by WILLIAM COX BENNETT THE SOULS OF THE SLAIN by THOMAS HARDY PICTURES FROM APPLEDORE: 3 by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL AMPHIPOLIS by ANTIPATER OF THESSALONICA MY GARDEN by KATHARINE CANBY BALDERSTON TO A GARDEN -- ON LEAVING IT by WILLIAM BARNES |