Classic Poem

True word on word, and deed on dauntless deed,
So rose the ancient fabric of our state,
To stand in spite of time and scorn of fate.
And many an arm must ache and heart must bleed
Ere all be finished, so has fate decreed,
Not all unkind — and standing at the gate,
The spirits of the great dead builders wait,
And watch the growing pile and cry " God speed."

" God speed the eye that sees, the ear that hears;
God speed the brain that grasps the mighty plan;
God speed the heart that knows nor doubts nor fears,
Steadfast and true; and oh, God speed the man
Who in his soul has sworn, ere all is done,
To carve and lift and lay his corner stone."