Classic Poem

I

One came, knelt, made obeisance, gave heaven praise
For the rare gifts that ranged him far apart
From meaner lives, that throng
The market-haunts of earth.

Say, was if false selft false self-witness? leaped a lie
From conscious heart by conscious lips expressed,
Thinking to cheat the gods
As mortals we may cheat?

A world too oft censorious held him high,
Praised his least effort with intent acclaim:
Say, who shall arraign that judge,
Keen-visioned, fearless, firm?

II

One came, paused, smote his breast in silence, felt
How vain heaven's will did all prove poor as he
In life's endeavour, deed:
He dare not dream it so.

Scarce audible a sigh then rent his soul —
" Be merciful! a sinner! O my God! " —
Then turned he, and went as erst
On to his daily toil:

" A man i' the street, " so runs the current phrase,
Unmarked, unmarkable, as thousands: yet
Not in the Master's eye
Worthless for His design.