America's Prosperity

By Henry Van Dyke

They tell me thou art rich, my country: gold

    In glittering flood has poured into thy chest;

    Thy flocks and herds increase, thy barns are pressed

With harvest, and thy stores can hardly hold

Their merchandise; unending trains are rolled

    Along thy network rails of East and West;

    Thy factories and forges never rest;

Thou art enriched in all things bought and sold!

But dost thou prosper? Better news I crave.

    O dearest country, is it well with thee

    Indeed, and is thy soul in health?

A nobler people, hearts more wisely brave,

    And thoughts that lift men up and make them free,—

         These are prosperity and vital wealth!