Iii

"For what is glory, what is power? And what the pride of standing first? A twig struck down by a thunder shower, A crown of thistle to quench the thirst, A sun-scorched flower.

"God grant the men who spring from me, As knowledge waxeth deep and splendid, To find a loftier pedigree Than any by the Lord intended-- Frog, slug, or tree!

"So shall they live, without the grief Of having womankind to love, Find nought below, and less above, And be their own belief.