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.