Defeated?

I raise a pillar, fine and fair,— The monument of my despair; No fame of conqueror or king E’er won a nobler offering:— Behold, where strength and beauty meet To celebrate a life’s defeat!

From hearts of stone to heart of stone, The soul appeals, as to her own;— The stainless granite, stately, strong, Shall chant my failure’s deathless song; Severe as Truth, this shaft shall shame The poor world’s pitiable blame.

FIDELITY.

The sunbeam in the hovel, And in the Hall, are one,— Each in his station faithful, Until his task is done.

In soul and service, brothers, To one blest birth-right born, Nor chance nor change can sever The children of the Morn.

Co-workers in one purpose, Co-partners of one plan, Each bears on stainless pinions, The love of Heaven to man.

If true to God, what matters, Where’er our work is done? The sunbeam in the hovel, And in the Hall, are one.