V a Reward
Because a steadfast flame of clear intentGave force and beauty to full-actioned life;Because his way was one of firm ascent,Whose stepping-stones were hewn of change and strife;Because as husband loveth noble wifeHe loved fair Truth; because the thing he meantTo do, that thing he did, nor paused, nor bentIn face of poor and pale conclusions; yea!Because of this, how fares the Leader dead?What kind of mourners weep for him to-day?What golden shroud is at his funeral spread?Upon his brow what leaves of laurel, say?About his breast is tied a sackcloth grey,And knots of thorns deface his lordly head.