Poems (Argent)/To John Greenleaf Whittier
TO JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER.
(THE QUAKER POET.)
"I would the great world grew like thee,In reverence and in charity,"—Tennyson.
I LOVE thee, poet, for thou artA man who owns a Christlike heart,Who sees a something bright and goodIn every sect of brotherhood.I love thee for thy tender creedThat helps a brother in his need.
'There is no malice in thy songBut smoothly it doth wend along,Like the pure streamlet and the rillThat music make at their own will.Thy stream of life, exceeding broad,Hath its own joy and best reward.
In spite of turbulence and noise,In this our world of doubtful joys,No tumult of politic strifeSaps out the beauty of thy life.Compassion in thy accents speakProtecting love to poor and weak.
The poet's greatest gift to theeIs God's dear gift of charity;Thou dost no word of scorn let fallOn others, for thou lovest all.Faith, Hope, and Charity all stirMy heart's sweet poet, Whittier!