I WHAT makes a man great? Is it houses and land? Is it argosies dropping their wealth at his feet? Is it multitudes shouting his name in the street? Is it power of brain? Is it skill of hand? Is it writing a book? Is it guiding the State? Nay, nay, none of these can make a man great. II The crystal burns cold with its beautiful fire, And is what it is; it can never be more; The acorn, with something wrapped warm at the core, In quietness says, "To the oak I aspire." That something in seed and in tree is the same; What makes a man great is his greatness of aim. III What is greatness of aim? Your purpose to trim For bringing the world to obey your behest? Oh, no, it is seeking God's perfect and best, Making something the same both in you and in Him. Love what He loves, and, child of the sod, Already you share in the greatness of God. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...YOUNG SAMMY'S FIRST WILD OATS by GEORGE SANTAYANA THE RESOLVE by ALEXANDER BROME THE SONG OF THE PILGRIMS by RUPERT BROOKE THE ENKINDLED SPRING by DAVID HERBERT LAWRENCE THE BIGLOW PAPERS. 2D SERIES: 2. JONATHAN TO JOHN by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL ROBINSON CRUSOE by MOTHER GOOSE |