I KNEW the man. I see him as he stands With gifts of mercy in his outstretched hands; A kindly light within his gentle eyes, Sad as the toil in which his heart grew wise; His lips half-parted with the constant smile That kindled truth, but foiled the deepest guile; His head bent forward, and his willing ear Divinely patient right and wrong to hear: Great in his goodness, humble in his state, Firm in his purpose, yet not passionate, He led his people with a tender hand, And won by love a sway beyond command; Summoned by lot to mitigate a time Frenzied by rage, unscrupulous with crime, He bore his mission with so meek a heart That Heaven itself took up his people's part, And when he faltered, helped him ere he fell, Eking his efforts out by miracle. No king this man, by grace of God's intent; No, something better, freeman — President! A nature, modeled on a higher plan, Lord of himself, an inborn gentleman! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE EBB AND FLOW by EDWARD TAYLOR NORTHBOUN' by LUCY ARIEL WILLIAMS NEVERNESS, OR THE ONE SHIP BEACHED ON ONE FAR DISTANT SHORE by MARGARET AVISON ZILLEBEKE BROOK by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN THE VOICE OF THE CHRIST-CHILD by PHILLIPS BROOKS WRITTEN IN VISTORS' BOOK AT THE BIRTHPLACE OF ROBERT BURNS by GEORGE WASHINGTON CABLE |