John Stuart Blackie (1809–1895)

THOU little Weimar, in the Saxon land,

All hail! With little Palestine and Greece

Well sistered, thou dost use a wide command,

And pile thy thoughtful trophies where fair Peace

Her bloodless victories tells. A common place

And common streets I see; but where we stand

The gods once walked; and now an humble race

Lives on the memory of that Titan band.

Such the high function of God’s elect men,—

To fill time with their presence, and inspire

The many with strong will, and loftier ken,

And elevate our lives with a faith higher

Than our poor selves. O Heavenly Father, give

This faith to me! By this the righteous live.