WISE with the wisdom of ages Shrewd as a man of trade, Grim as the prophets and sages, Keen as a damask blade; Firm as a granite ribbed mountain, Tender as woman's song, Gay as a scintillant fountain -- Yet was he oaken-strong. Here, the wonder of aeons! Born unto pain and strife; Dead, 'mid a thousand paeans, Deathless, he enters life. |