What makes a man great? Is it houses and lands?
Is it argosies dropping their wealth at his feet?
Is it multitudes shouting his name in the street?
Is it power of brain? Is it skill of hand?
Is it writing a book? Is it guiding the State?
Nay, nay, none of these can make a man great.
The crystal burns cold with its beautiful fire,
And is what it is; it can never be more;
The acorn, with something wrapped warm at the core,
In quietness says, "To the oak I aspire."
That something in seed and in tree is the same--
What makes a man great is his greatness of aim.
What is greatness of aim? Your purpose to trim
For bringing the world to obey your behest?
O no, it is seeking God's perfect and best,
Making something the same both in you and in him.
Love what he loves, and, child of the sod,
Already you share in the greatness of God.
--Samuel V. Cole.