VERSE: MAXIMUS

Many, if God should make them kings,

Might not disgrace the throne He gave;

How few who could as well fulfil

The holier office of a slave.

I hold him great who, for Love's sake

Can give, with generous, earnest will,—

Yet he who takes for Love's sweet sake,

I think I hold more generous still.

I prize the instinct that can turn

From vain pretence with proud disdain;

Yet more I prize a simple heart;

Paying credulity with pain.

I bow before the noble mind

That freely some great wrong forgives;

Yet nobler is the one forgiven,

Who bears that burden well, and lives.

It may be hard to gain, and still

To keep a lowly steadfast heart

Yet he who loses has to fill

A harder and a truer part.

Glorious it is to wear the crown

Of a deserved and pure success;—

He who knows how to fail has won

A Crown whose lustre is not less.

Great may he be who can command

And rule with just and tender sway;

Yet is diviner wisdom taught

Better by him who can obey.

Blessed are those who die for God,

And earn the Martyr's crown of light —

Yet he who lives for God may be

A greater Conqueror in His sight.