University of Virginia Library

VALLEY AND PEAK.

The Valley said to the Peak,
“O Peak, I fain would arise
And be great like you! I would seek
The wealth that illumes your skies!
Although I lie so low
At your feet, I aspire to share
The splendor and strength you know,
Lifted up into spacious air.”
The Peak to the Valley said,
“O Valley, be content,
Since for you my veins have bled,
And for you my breath is spent!
Alone, for your sake, I live
In the cold and cloudy blue;
Great only in that I give
The riches of heaven to you.”