Classic Poem

This was the hand that knew to swing
The ax — since thus would Freedom train
Her son — and made the forest ring,
And drove the wedge, and toiled amain.

Firm hand, that loftier office took,
A conscious leader's will obeyed,
And, when men sought his word and look,
With steadfast might the gathering swayed.

No courtier's, toying with a sword,
Nor minstrel's, laid across a lute;
A chief's, uplifted to the Lord
When all the kings of earth were mute!

This was the hand that knew to swing
— The ax — since thus would Freedom train
Her son — and made the forest ring,
— And drove the wedge, and toiled amain.

Firm hand, that loftier office took,
— A conscious leader's will obeyed,
And, when men sought his word and look,
— With steadfast might the gathering swayed.

No courtier's, toying with a sword,
— Nor minstrel's, laid across a lute;
A chief's, uplifted to the Lord
— When all the kings of earth were mute!