Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
Descriptive Poems: I. Personal: Rulers; Statesmen; WarriorsWilliam Lloyd Garrison
James Russell Lowell (18191891)
I
Toiled o’er his types one poor, unlearned young man;
The place was dark, unfurnitured, and mean:
Yet there the freedom of a race began.
Put lever to the heavy world with less:
What need of help? He knew how types were set,
He had a dauntless spirit, and a press.
The compact nucleus, round which systems grow:
Mass after mass becomes inspired therewith,
And whirls impregnate with the central glow.
In the rude stable, in the manger nursed!
What humble hands unbar those gates of morn
Through which the splendors of the New Day burst!
Front Rome’s far-reaching bolts, and scorn her frown?
Brave Luther answered Yes; that thunder’s swell
Rocked Europe, and discharmed the triple crown.
Sneered Europe’s wise men, in their snail-shells curled;
No! said one man in Genoa, and that No
Out of the dark created this New World.
Who is it hath not strength to stand alone?
Who is it thwarts and bilks the inward Must?
He and his works, like sand, from earth are blown.
See one straightforward conscience put in pawn
To win a world; see the obedient sphere
By bravery’s simple gravitation drawn!
And by the Present’s lips repeated still,
In our own single manhood to be bold,
Fortressed in conscience and impregnable will?
Nor, in our childish thoughtlessness, foresee
What myriad vassal streams shall tribute bring.
How like an equal it shall greet the sea.
Based on a faithful heart and weariless brain!
Ye build the future fair, ye conquer wrong,
Ye earn the crown, and wear it not in vain.