 | The Poetry of Real Life |  |
24
SELF-GREATNESS.
The beggar's staff has often wider swayThan the king's sceptre! higher empire far,
Far nobler subjects—his own thoughts, which are
Best ministers of good from day to day!
Content with these, still ready to obey,
He, in his sphere, moves stilly, like a star
Which makes all light about it, 'bove the jar
Of earth's vain cares, on his eternal way.
Till, thus become a spirit, spirits wait
Upon him, ever 'round that viewless throne,
Which He, on passions, early taught to own
Wisdom's supremacy, has raised: a state
Wherein celestial powers have sway alone;
The Lord of his own Soul is truly great!
| The Poetry of Real Life | |