YOU sent the man: he builded well, And steadfastly, and long, Until a grateful people saw Its lordliest Tower of Song. You sent the man: in silence rose, Defying time and chance, A thing of splendor in the land,— Its Palace of Romance. You sent the man: in quiet ways He wrought, nor sought renown; But in the end the Sultan's throne Of shame came tumbling down. You sent the man: he helped to shape The nation's fate, because He blazed a path which they must take Henceforth who give it laws. You sent the man: seeking afar The world-sought, age-long goal, He pushed through perilous ways, and grasped The secret of the Pole. However far the purpose run, Or splendid be the plan, The glory of achievement means The story of a man. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SCHOOL AND SCHOOLFELLOWS; FLOREAT ETONA by WINTHROP MACKWORTH PRAED HELEN AND THETIS by ALCAEUS OF MYTILENE MY NATIVE LAND by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS A SONNET. THE ROSE AND LILY by PHILIP AYRES LILIES: 30. THE WHOLE by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |