Classic Poem

To live this life and still behind the same
To see some strong-browed truth stand sentinel,
Life's meanest action still to weigh and tell,
With ready gesture to approve or blame,—
This is the life of saints. What matter name,
Trapping and garment? 'Tis enough, 'tis well
That this and this are true. To some befel
A birth in the swart East. Mohammed's fame,
Opening their soul's wide windows to the East,
Let these declare. For some let Buddha brood
Beneath his mystic tree; and let some deem
The great Confucius blessed; while some still feast
Their souls on Christ, that strong and mighty food;
'Tis not Truth's garb from which her light doth stream.