_Willie speaks._
Is it wrong, the wish to be great,
For I do wish it so?
I have asked already my sister Kate;
She says she does not know.
Yestereve at the gate I stood
Watching the sun in the west;
When I saw him look so grand and good
It swelled up in my breast.
Next from the rising moon
It stole like a silver dart;
In the night when the wind began his tune
It woke with a sudden start.
This morning a trumpet blast
Made all the cottage quake;
It came so sudden and shook so fast
It blew me wide awake.
It told me I must make haste,
And some great glory win,
For every day was running to waste,
And at once I must begin.
I want to be great and strong,
I want to begin to-day;
But if you think it very wrong
I will send the wish away.