Page:Poems Argent.djvu/125

        Hero and saint!
The world is better having known thy name,
 And nobler for thy pure unselfish deeds,
For with no pomp the hero leper came,
 But humbly ministering to others' needs.
Those patient feet on mercy ever bent,
That Christlike soul a living sacrament!

        Hero and saint!
Wooing no trumpet blast as one who fights
 And shouts for triumph in a victory great,
But silently in midst of loathsome sights
 Took up the cross, nor shuddered at its weight.
Although death menaced with a leprous doom
That chosen pathway leading to the tomb.

        Hero and saint!
Whate'er thy creed 'tis not for us to say,
 The right or false, the wrong or better part,
Nought can obliterate the glorious ray
 Of a good life and deep religious heart.
Both consecrate unto the highest good
Of human suffering, human brotherhood.

        Hero and saint!
God rest thy soul! the spot which holds thy grave
 Is sacred to all nations,—far and wide:
Thy works shall follow thee beyond the wave;
 For nobly, father, hast thou lived and died.
No brighter crown in heaven, methinks, will shine,
Nor sweeter harp be heard than that of thine!