NOT to the swift, the race: Not to the strong, the fight: Not to the righteous, perfect grace: Not to the wise, the light. But often faltering feet Come surest to the goal; And they who walk in darkness meet The sunrise of the soul. A thousand times by night The Syrian hosts have died; A thousand times the vanquished right Hath risen, glorified. The truth the wise men sought Was spoken by a child; The alabaster box was brought In trembling hands defiled. Not from my torch, the gleam, But from the stars above: Not from my heart, life's crystal stream, But from the depths of Love. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BATTLE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN [NOVEMBER 24, 1863] by GEORGE HENRY BOKER FROM THE ANTIQUE (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE JESTER'S SERMON by GEORGE WALTER THORNBURY THE MAGIC MIRROR by HENRY MILLS ALDEN TWO SONGS FROM THE PERSIAN: 2 by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH I GREET THEE by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS ON THE BIRTHDAY OF WASHINGTON by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD |