As is said, "Men do not look
Into running water as a mirror
But into still water--
It is only the still water that can
Arrest them all and keep them
In contemplation of their true selves.
Of things which are what they are
By the influence of Earth,
It is only the pine tree and cypress
Which are the best instances--
In winter as in summer vividly green.
Of those which are what they are
By the influence of Heaven,
The most striking examples
Are certainly the sun and the moon;
Fortunate in thus maintaining
Their constant brightness and so,
As to illuminate the lives of others.
As a verification of the power
Of the original endowment,
When it has been preserved,
Take the result of fearlessness--
How the heroic spirit of each
Single warrior has been thrown
Into victorious action of an army.