A sturdy bulwark for a sturdy spirit, Sinews and thews compacted to inherit An English heart and English-wise to bear it, -- Gladstone the Woodman. Serene explorer of the morning ages, Afoot with Homer, pacing with the sages, Keen to find present truth in antique pages, -- Gladstone the Bookman. Stronger than any king, our Faith's Defender! Atheist-conqueror and quibble-render, Armored in iron words and reason's splendor, -- Gladstone the Penman. Majestic marshaller of moving phrases Into such tide as seizes men and raises Mind, heart, and will up to its own high places, -- Gladstone the Spokesman. Uncrowned, untitled, latent lord of nations, Deep-rooted rock amid their perturbations, Prime servant, -- oh, supreme of exaltations! -- Gladstone the Statesman. And last, and best, in lowliness supernal, Courage all confident and faith all vernal, In days ascending to the life eternal, -- Gladstone the Christ's man! |