'Tis phrase absurd to call a villain great: Who wickedly is wise, or madly brave, Is but the more a fool, the more a knave. Who noble ends by noble means obtains, Or, failing, smiles in exile or in chains; Like good Aurelius, let him reign, or bleed Like Socrates--that man is great indeed. One self-approving hour whole years outweighs Of stupid starers and of loud huzzas; And more true joy Marcellus exiled feels, Than Caesar with a senate at his heels. --Alexander Pope. Though world on world in myriad myriads roll Round us, each with different powers, And other forms of life than ours, What know we greater than the soul? On God and Godlike men we build our trust. --Alfred Tennyson. THE GOOD, GREAT MAN How seldom, friend, a good, great man inherits Honor and wealth, with all his worth and pains! It seems a story from the world of spirits When any man obtains that which he merits, Or any merits that which he obtains. For shame, my friend; renounce this idle strain! What would'st thou have a good, great man obtain? Wealth, title, dignity, a golden chain, Or heap of corses which his sword hath slain? Goodness and greatness are not means, but ends. Hath he not always treasurer, always friends, The great, good man? Three treasures--love, and light, And calm thoughts, equable as infants' breath; And three fast friends, more sure than day or night-- Himself, his Maker, and the angel Death. --Samuel Taylor Coleridge. THE POEM OF THE UNIVERSE The poem of the universe Nor rhythm has nor rhyme; For God recites the wondrous song A stanza at a time. Great deeds is he foredoomed to do-- With Freedom's flag unfurled-- Who hears the echo of that song As it goes down the world. Great words he is compelled to speak Who understands the song; He rises up like fifty men, Fifty good men and strong. A stanza for each century: Now heed it all who can! Who hears it, he, and only he, Is the elected man. --Charles Weldon. When faith is lost, when honor dies, The man is dead! --John Greenleaf Whittier. FAILURE AND SUCCESS He fails who climbs to power and place Up the pathway of disgrace. He fails not who makes truth his cause, Nor bends to win the crowd's applause. He fails not, he who stakes his all Upon the right, and dares to fall; What though the living bless or blame, For him the long success of fame. --Richard Watson Gilder. WHAT DOES IT MATTER?