Classic Poem

XI.

The boy who came with sun-bleached head,
And dress by many a patch repaired,
Still felt in all that Henry said
E'en more than strongest words declared.

XII.

Those truths, as more than lessons taught,
Were learnt as more than lessons too;
The teacher's precept, will, and thought,
E'en from his look fresh import drew.

XIII.

And well he knew how wilful sway
Disloyal service breeds at best,
And often makes the heart a prey
To hate, by fear alone repressed.

XIV.

Yet could he temper love and meekness
With all the sacred might of law,
Dissevering gentleness from weakness,
And hallowing tenderness by awe.

XV.

Nor e'er beneath his steadfast eye
Could ill escape its grave reproval;
Nor durst he set his conscience by,
That peace might reign by its removal.

XVI.

His love was no unblest device
To lengthen falsehood's coward mood,
Nor purchased liking at the price
Of calling evil—good.

XVII.

He woke the sense, he warmed the breast,
Affirming truths supreme,
And let the voice within attest
He told no misty dream.

XVIII.

Each feeling thus that moved the child,
As each in turn awoke,
To its fixed law was reconciled,
And owned the strengthening yoke.

XIX.

So still the God revealed below
As one great Will of Good to all,
He taught for Sire and Judge to know,
On whom for aid all groans may call.

XX.

Amid his poor, unknowing throng
Of little learners pleased he stood;
To him their murmur hummed a song,
And every face had sparks of good.