Classic Poem

A Giant came to me when I was young,
My instant will to ask —
My earthly Servant, from the earth he sprung
Eager for any task!

" What wilt thou, O my Master? " he began,
" Whatever can be, " I.
" Say thy first wish — whate'er thou wilt I can, "
The Strong Slave made reply.

" Enter the earth and bring its riches forth,
For pearls explore the sea. "
He brought, from East and West and South and North,
All treasures back to me!

" Build me a palace wherein I may dwell. "
" Awake and see it done, "
Spake his great voice at dawn. Oh, miracle
That glittered in the sun!

" Find me the princess fit for my embrace,
The vision of my breast;
For her search every clime and every race. "
My yearning arms were blessed!

" Get me all knowledge. " Sages with their lore,
And poets with their songs,
Crowded my palace halls at every door,
In still, obedient throngs!

" Now bring me wisdom. " Long ago he went;
(The cold task harder seems:)
He did not hasten with the last content —
The rest, meanwhile, were dreams!

Houseless and poor, on many a trackless road,
Without a guide, I found
A white-haired phantom with the world his load,
Bending him to the ground!

" I bring thee wisdom, Master. " Is it he,
I marvelled then, in sooth?
" Thy palace-builder, beauty-seeker, see! "
I saw the Ghost of Youth!