THE GREAT
Reading edition
Wonder for the Strong! who, forehead-kissed By superhuman lips,
Following the lights of new horizons From height of sovereignty,
The smile, the flash, the song of genius Had, and its folly;
Knew all its flights and all its tears And all its harmonies;
And from their peak launched to the listening world Their sacred words;
And died ’mid dreams and symphonies Bathed in bright sunlight.
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Love for the Rebels! Heart-bitten, they, By sùpreme anguish;
Linked in Love’s leash With those who weep, with those who tremble,
With those, outcast, by Christ redeemed, By brethren betrayed.
By sea, by land, to thronging crowds New laws have they proclaimed;
Have raised the hymn of coming ages, Sublimely frenzied
For the ideal; and,—irons, rope or axe— Smiled at their torments.
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But for the Great of Gloomy Places, Tears, heart-wrung. Such as are
A-hungered, trodden down; and—venerable— Nor truce nor pardon knew
From hostile, impious nature, Yet hated not.
Who saw the corn-ear spring for others, Yet thievèd not.
Whose drink was gall and tears; who, traitorously
Lashed in the face by blindfold Tyranny, Yet murmured not.
Who walked ’mid frosts and tempests Darkling and quite forgot;
No sun, no bread, no clothing, Yet trusted God.
Who had a heap of straw to sleep on Loathsome and horrible;
A lazar-house to die in, Yet loving died.