Classic Poem

The eminent professor handed down the tablets of his superiority from a college on high,
In a dress parade of phrases calling upon the poor world to take off its hat to his rich reputation.
I listened: I heard the noise: I was not convinced.
Then I went out into the street: the day was wet and chilly:
A sallow Italian worked there in the trench, digging, shivering:
He glanced up as I passed, resting on his shovel —
His eyes looked right in my eyes, friendly like, wondering,
Then he resumed his work without saying a word, digging, shivering,
Asking for nothing, accusing no one:
The silence was enough.