I like a man who all mean things despises, A man who has a purpose firm and true; Who faces every doubt as it arises, And murmurs not at what he finds to do. I like a man who shows the noble spirit Displayed by knights of Arthur’s table round; Who, face to face with life, proves his real merit, Who has a soul that dwells above the ground; And yet, one who can understand the worry Of some chance brother fallen in the road, And speak to him a kind word ’mid the hurry, Or lay an easing hand upon his load. Large hearted, brave-souled men to-day are needed, Men ready when occasion’s doors swing wide; Grand men to speak the counsel that is heeded, And men in whom a nation may confide. The world is wide, and broad its starry arches, But lagging malcontents it cannot hold; The way of life to him who upright marches, Has ending in a far-off street of gold. |