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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A POET'S APOLOGY by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL

First Line: TRUTH CUT ON HIGH IN TABLETS OF HEWN STONE
Last Line: THOUGH BUT ONE PEARL THAT BEARS THE NAME OF GOD.
TRUTH cut on high in tablets of hewn stone,
Or on great columns gorgeously adorned,
Perchance were left alone,
Passed by and scorned;
But Truth enchased upon a jewel rare,
A man would keep, and next his bosom wear.

So, many an hour, I sit and carve my gems --
Ten spoiled, for one in purer beauty set:
Not for kings' diadems --
Some amulet
That may be worn o'er hearts that toil and plod, --
Though but one pearl that bears the name of God.



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