Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NOBLESSE OBLIGE, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NOBLESSE OBLIGE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I hold it the duty of one who is gifted
Last Line: Which lifts up the king to the crown's demands.
Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs.
Subject(s): Courts & Courtiers; Life; Pride; Self-esteem; Self-respect


I hold it the duty of one who is gifted
And specially dowered in all men's sight,
To know no rest till his life is lifted
Fully up to his great gifts' height.

He must mold the man into rare completeness,
For gems are set only in gold refined.
He must fashion his thoughts into perfect sweetness,
And cast out folly and pride from his mind.

For he who drinks from a god's gold fountain
Of art or music or rhythmic song
Must sift from his soul the chaff of malice,
And weed from his heart the roots of wrong.

Great gifts should be worn, like a crown befitting!
And not like gems in a beggar's hands.
And the toil must be constant and unremitting
Which lifts up the king to the crown's demands.





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