| Charles Swain 1800-1874 |
| What is noble ?�to inherit
Wealth, estate, and proud degree ? There must be some other merit Higher yet than these for me ! Something greater far must enter Into life�s majestic span, Fitted to create and centre True nobility in man. What is noble ?��tis the finer Portion of our mind and heart, Linked to something still diviner Than mere language can impart Ever prompting�ever seeing Some improvement yet to plan; To uplift our fellow being, And~ like man~ to feel for Man! What is noble ?�is the sabre Nobler than the humble spade ? There�s a dignity in labour Truer than e�er pomp arrayed He who seeks the mind�s improvement Aids the world, In aiding mind! Every great commanding movement Serves not one, but all mankind. O�er the forge�s heat and ashes, O�er the engine�s iron head, Where the rapid shuttle flashes, And the spindle whirls its thread There is labour, lowly tending Each requirement of the hour, There is genius, still extending Science, and its world of power I �Mid the dust, and speed, and clamour, Of the loom-shed and the mill; �Midst the clink of wheel and hammer, Great results are growing still Though too oft, by fashion�s creatures, Work and workers may be blamed, Commerce need not hide its features, Industry is not ashamed What is noble ?�that which places Truth in Its enfranchised will, Leaving steps, like angel-traces, That mankind may follow still! E�en though scorn�s malignant glances Prove him poorest of his clan, He�s the Noble�who advances Freedom, and the Cause of Man! |
| What Is Noble? |
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