  He was a man whose lot was cast, As some might think, in lines severe; In humble toil whose life was passed From week to week, from year to year; And yet, by wife and children blessed, He labored on with cheerful zest. As one revered and set apart, A quaint, unusual name he bore That well became the frugal heart; While plain habiliments he wore Without a tremor or a chill At thought of some uncanceled bill. A king might not disdain to wear The title so appropriate To one who never sought to share Exalted station 'mong the great, Nor cared if on the scroll of fame Were never traced his worthy name. As bound by honor's righteous law In strictest rectitude he wrought— The man who calmly, clearly saw His duty, and who dallied not— For those whose comfort heightened his. The parent bird its brood protects As fledglings in their downy nest, Until a Power their flight directs From trial trips to distant quest, Through trackless zones of ether blue, For bird companions strange and new. But ere his babes from prattlers grew, Upon his knee or by his side, To womanhood and manhood true— Too soon we thought—the father died; How could we know, when Death was nigh Those little wings were taught to fly? Another name his boyhood knew, So seldom heard that lapse of years Had made it seem a thing untrue, Unmusical to friendly ears; And thus his appellation odd His passport was where'er he trod. So long, on every lip and tongue As if by universal whim, To him had his cognomen clung, That angels even must have heard Of one, like them, in love preferred. And when he came to Heaven's door, To Peter's self or acolyte, The holy warder looking o'er, "'Tis 'Honest John!'" he said aright; And his pilgrim spirit passed within Because his walk with God had been. |
|
