DESPITE misfortune, poverty, the dearth Of simplest justice to his heart and brain, This gracious optimist lived not in vain; Rather, he made a partial Heaven of Earth; For whatsoe'er of pure and cordial birth In body or soul dawned on him, he was fain To bless and love, as an immortal gain A thing divine, of fair immaculate worth: -- The clearest, cleanest nature given to man In these, our latter days, methinks was his, With instincts which alone did bring him bliss; All life he viewed as one long, luminous plan Wherein God's love and wisdom meet and kiss, -- His sole brave creed, the creed Samaritan! |