LOVER of God and man! To some thou art A great philosopher, a stalwart mind, A jester, and a poet skilled to find Beneath life's motley coat the poor fool's heart; A passionate singer, with quick eye to part Evil from good when they are intertwined As if one strand, and patiently unwind The golden thread into the heavenly mart: Yea, but a leader too, whose word inspired, And doubt-destroying laughter, bade believe Even in the desert; striking, thou didst cleave The rock for water; and didst march, untired, Before us toward the promised country, fired With joys of which nor death nor hell bereave. |