 | [Poems by Lathrop in] Occasional addresses |  |
124
AN ADDRESS.
May 31, 1886.
Better than regal pomp and pride
The power that moves to tears or laughter;
The art whose memories sweet abide
And make life rich forever after.
The power that moves to tears or laughter;
The art whose memories sweet abide
And make life rich forever after.
Better than art, the soul whose plan
Makes brotherhood the foremost factor:
A man is all the more a man
Who figures as a sterling actor.
Makes brotherhood the foremost factor:
A man is all the more a man
Who figures as a sterling actor.
And so the true man on the boards,
Whate'er he feigns of smiles or sorrow,
Lends to the public from his hoards
More sympathy than he can borrow.
Whate'er he feigns of smiles or sorrow,
Lends to the public from his hoards
More sympathy than he can borrow.
Such is the friend we greet to-night:
Complete in skill—his humor blending
With honesty time wears more bright,
And geniality unending.
Complete in skill—his humor blending
With honesty time wears more bright,
And geniality unending.
125
There have been Edwards crowned as kings;
And Harrys, too; but if you tarry,
You'll see this man whose good name rings
With fame of Edwards and of Harry.
And Harrys, too; but if you tarry,
You'll see this man whose good name rings
With fame of Edwards and of Harry.
Why should I lengthen out my lay?
I see you 're bent upon a moral.
Agreed! But all I have to say
Is, crown him with your fairest laurel!
I see you 're bent upon a moral.
Agreed! But all I have to say
Is, crown him with your fairest laurel!
| [Poems by Lathrop in] Occasional addresses | |