TO PHILLIPS BROOKS.
Reading edition
O type of manhood, strong, serene, and chaste, Attuned to law of man as well as God, We hail thee as a guide, who, having trod With Christ the spirit-fields, in eager haste Makes glad return to give us blessed taste Of fruit there found. Through thee our feet are shod With gospel-peace, while thy imperial rod Becomes our need in times of drought or waste. How can we thank thee for thy helpful cheer, O master-spirit of the priests of earth? By daily doing penance without fear, Or resting satisfied in deeds of worth? O no! 'Tis when we breathe love's atmosphere, And live like thee the life of heavenly birth.
Boston, 1890.