  After forty years. Sacred these walls wherein I find Myself inclosed once more; Here in youth's pride my ardent mind On nightly tasks would pore. Sweet were these tasks, for mental power Comes with each duty done; And ray of light charmed midnight's hour When thought its victory won. Oft did the battle seem severe, Sometimes defeat seemed nigh, But pride and love must persevere When all our powers we try. Struggles bring a development That will not brook defeat; Within us dwells an element That makes just contest sweet. If barriers in our mental path Stand like a sullen foe, Summon the soul, in righteous wrath Strike a decisive blow, And spare not till the victory Puts ignorance to flight; And let the battle-cry e'er be Science and Truth and Right! Such victories, when fairly won, Put slaughter's field to shame, And Honor's self shall place upon Such victors, wreaths of fame. O happy hours within these walls, But happier far to me Is the expanded mind which calls Deep thought, best liberty. That mental power which sees the world As beauty, grace, and art, Wherein God's loveliness unfurled, Speaks to a living heart, And leads it tenderly to see The harmony of laws Which unifies immensity, And tells of the First Cause, Yields greater solace, richer lore, Than books alone can give; For mind and soul form the great power By which we act and live. The wealth that dignifies mankind Is not in bonds and stocks, But in rich thoughts, noble, refined, Needing no bars nor locks. When man for manhood more shall strive, And less for greed and gain, The humble poor may nobly live, And feel not hunger's pain. These walls are sacred unto me, For thought here learned to soar And build the ark of liberty I love, exalt, adore. |
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