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.
