Classic Poem

He goes through life discovering new spheres—
Computing distances between the stars;
His name on every lip the world now hears—
And yet there is one thing his triumph mars;
He lives so much above the world that he
Its ordinary beauties can not see.

Grave scientists aver that through life's span
His name will shine with luster, as to-day;
But ask them how he 's helped his fellow-man
Along the weary road—they can not say!
He sees the glories of unmeasured space—
But misses that found in the human race.

O man of science, though your studies deep
Have made the secrets of the heavens plain,
I am not envious. Your triumph keep,
And count it, if you wish, unequaled gain;
Your humble neighbor has a better plan—
He finds the good points in his fellow-man!