The Higher Duty

I saw the sun. He shone in splendour bright, Casting his radiance over dale and hill; And all creation joyed to see his light: He shone, and thus fulfilled his Master's will.

I saw the moon and stars. They gave their light To guide the sailor o'er the trackless sea, To show the traveller his path by night: They shone, fulfilling all their Lord's decree.

I looked to earth, and saw the plants and trees, Each growing fitly to the pattern made, And yielding proper flowers and fruits. And these All grew, and thus their Master's will obeyed.

I looked around, and saw my fellow-men, Created by the same Almighty hand; A higher destiny was granted them— To rule the earth, obeying His command.

And, as I looked, the vision grew less bright, And only through the darkness could I see That, in their power and God-given might, Men ruled, fulfilling half their Lord's decree.

Here was much chaos and confusion still; And here no perfect concord seemed to be. Each lived as best accorded with his will: Men ruled, all heedless of their Lord's decree.

And, as I looked, deep sorrow filled my heart; "Oh man!" I cried, "in God's own image made, Shall sun, and moon, and trees, all do their part, And thou alone fall short and retrograde?

"Thou—greatest of all God's created things! Thou—ruler, by His order, of the earth! Shake off thy sin, and, on aspiring wings, Rise! and be worthy of thy glorious birth."

I cried; and from the darkness forth there came A voice, which said in harsh and mocking tone: "Dost thou possess so undefiled a name, Art thou, amongst thy fellows, good alone,

"That thou shouldst vilify thy fellow-men? Thou art not innocent nor free from guile— Thou too art man. Go, nor return again, Sinful, thy fellow-sinners to revile."

It ceased. But, as I turned to join the strife, In milder accents spake that voice again: "An humble heart, a pure and useful life— And not vain words—will raise thy fellow-men."