James and Mary Ford, eds. Every Day in the Year. 1902.
January 31Charles H. Spurgeon
By London Punch
S
Through good and ill report you’ve reached the goal
Of all brave effort, and attained that light
Which makes our clearest noontide seem as night.
Or arid straightness, freshening as the rain
And healthy as the clod, a native force
Incult yet quickening, cleaving its straight course
Unchecked, unchastened, conquering to the end,
Crudeness may chill and confidence offend,
But manhood, mother-wit and selfless zeal,
Speech clear as light and courage true as steel
Must win the many. Honest soul and brave
The greatest drop their garlands on your grave.