Poem by James Russell Lowell

* * *

  O child of Nature! O most meek and free,
  Most gentle spirit of true nobleness!
  Thou doest not a worthy deed the less
  Because the world may not its greatness see;
  What were a thousand triumphings to thee,
  Who, in thyself, art as a perfect sphere
  Wrapt in a bright and natural atmosphere
  Of mighty-souledness and majesty?
  Thy soul is not too high for lowly things,
  Feels not its strength seeing its brother weak,
  Not for itself unto itself is dear,
  But for that it may guide the wanderings
  Of fellow-men, and to their spirits speak
  The lofty faith of heart that knows no fear.

1. Fancies about a Rosebud, Pressed in an Old Copy of Spenser
2. “No More But So?”
3. The Lover
4. Fourth of July Ode
5. My Friend, Adown Life's Valley, Hand in Hand

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