The poem of the universe
Nor rhythm has nor rhyme;
For God recites the wondrous song
A stanza at a time.
Great deeds is he foredoomed to do--
With Freedom's flag unfurled--
Who hears the echo of that song
As it goes down the world.
Great words he is compelled to speak
Who understands the song;
He rises up like fifty men,
Fifty good men and strong.
A stanza for each century:
Now heed it all who can!
Who hears it, he, and only he,
Is the elected man.
--Charles Weldon.
When faith is lost, when honor dies,
The man is dead!
--John Greenleaf Whittier.