Poems (1898)/Columbus
For other versions of this work, see Columbus (Coates).
COLUMBUS
Viceroy they made him, Admiral and Don,
Wishing—good King and Queen!—to honor him
Whose deeds should make all like distinctions dim.
Columbus! Other title needs he none.
And they—in wisdom more than kingship blest—
Go down to future days, remembered best
For service rendered to that lowly one.
Columbus! With proud love, yet reverently,
Pronounce that name,—the name of one who heard
A word of life, and, answering that word,
Braved death, unfearing, on the Shadowy Sea;
Who—seeking land not known to any chart,
That land by faith deep graven on his heart—
Found justice, truth, and human liberty!