A Career
“Break me my bounds, and let me flyTo regions vast of boundless sky;Nor I, like piteous Daphne, beRoot-bound. Ah, no! I would be freeAs yon same bird that in its flightOutstrips the range of mortal sight;Free as the mountain streams that gushFrom bubbling springs, and downward rushAcross the serrate mountain’s side,—The rocks o’erwhelmed, their banks defied,—And like the passions in the soul,Swell into torrents as they roll.Oh, circumscribe me not by rulesThat serve to lead the minds of fools!But give me pow’r to work my will,And at my deeds the world shall thrill.My words shall rouse the slumb’ring zestThat hardly stirs in manhood’s breast;And as the sun feeds lesser lights,As planets have their satellites,So round about me will I bindThe men who prize a master mind!”
He lived a silent life alone,And laid him down when it was done;And at his head was placed a stoneOn which was carved a name unknown!