OF all the Kings of fallen earth, The sun has never shone On one to match in power and worth With ancient Solomon. Master of Genii and of Men, He ruled o'er sea and land; Nor bird in nest, nor beast in den, Was safe from his command. So past he, gloriously arrayed, One morning to review The creatures God on earth has made, And give Him homage due. Well busied in a valley near, A troop of Ants perceived The coming pomp -- and struck with fear Death close at hand believed. They cried: "What care the Kings and Priests That here in splendour meet, What care the Genii, birds, or beasts, For us beneath their feet? For what are we to them, and who Shall check their mighty way? Fly to your inmost homes or rue The glory of to-day." The son of David's wondrous ear No haughty mood beguiled; He, bent the Ant's small voice to hear, Beneficently smiled; And prayed: "Oh God! the great, the good, Of kings Almighty King! Preserve my progress free from blood, Or hurt to living thing! "Comfort these humble creatures' fear; Let all thy servants know, That I thy servant, too, am here, Thy power, not mine, to show. That, 'mid the tumult and the tread Of myriads, I will guard Secure from hurt each little head, As thou wilt me reward." And thus the Ants that marvellous scene Beheld, as glad a throng, As if their tiny forms had been The strongest of the strong. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN MEMORIAM (EASTER 1915) by PHILIP EDWARD THOMAS THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS by MARIA ABDY PROVERBS 31:25-29. THE MOTHER OF THE HOUSE by OLD TESTAMENT BIBLE THE FESTUBERT SHRINE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN OUTWARDS AND HOMEWARDS by FRANCIS WILLIAM BOURDILLON THE MOURNING MOTHER by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING ON THE NATURALIZATION BILL (3) by JOHN BYROM UPON MASTER WALTER MONTAGUE HIS RETURN FROM TRAVEL by THOMAS CAREW |