第104章 MAXIMUS

Many,if God should make them kings,Might not disgrace the throne He gave;How few who could as well fulfil The holier office of a slave.

I hold him great who,for Love's sake Can give,with generous,earnest will,-Yet he who takes for Love's sweet sake,I think I hold more generous still.

I prize the instinct that can turn From vain pretence with proud disdain;Yet more I prize a simple heart;

Paying credulity with pain.

I bow before the noble mind That freely some great wrong forgives;Yet nobler is the one forgiven,Who bears that burden well,and lives.

It may be hard to gain,and still To keep a lowly steadfast heart Yet he who loses has to fill A harder and a truer part.

Glorious it is to wear the crown Of a deserved and pure success;-He who knows how to fail has won A Crown whose lustre is not less.

Great may he be who can command And rule with just and tender sway;Yet is diviner wisdom taught Better by him who can obey.

Blessed are those who die for God,And earn the Martyr's crown of light -Yet he who lives for God may be A greater Conqueror in His sight.