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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PEARY'S SLEDGE by GEORGE EDWARD WOODBERRY

First Line: RUDE SLEDGE, THAT SHALT THE MORTAL RELIC BE
Last Line: EARTH'S AXIS; AND WITHIN HIM WAS MAN'S MIRTH.
Subject(s): PEARY, ROBERT EDWIN (1856-1920);

RUDE sledge, that shalt the mortal relic be,
When he is nameless dust, of that strong soul
Who won the great adventure of the Pole,
I read the lineaments of fate in thee.
Thou art the image of necessity,
Framed of denial, the wise will's control, --
"Least will do most," -- "Spare all, and win the whole,"
Thou sayest, -- "Art, life, are brothers unto me."

So was that soul accoutred, in and out;
So stood he on the gray roof of the world,
Gazing on heavens he lifted up from earth;
Illimitable chaos round about
Knelt to his flag; victor, beneath him whirled
Earth's axis; and within him was man's mirth.



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