Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FAME, by FREDERIC ROWLAND MARVIN


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FAME, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In his vast gardens, once an oriental lord
Last Line: The holy allah his reward insures.
Subject(s): Fame; Rewards; Reputation


IN his vast gardens, once an Oriental lord
A stately palace reared in Ghazneh fair;
And that he might his royal father greatly please,
He sought to make a splendid banquet there.
But o'er the father's face a shade of sadness fell:
"Dear son," spake he, "my wealthy subjects all
Could with their gold a thousand pleasure-structures build;
'T were nobler far to heed the heavenly call,
And for thy soul construct a temple of such fame
As wealth and knowledge nevermore can give.
Strive not ambition's gilded dream of power to grasp,
But learn for more abiding fame to live."
Long years ago Mohammed's palace fell,
And o'er the plain its stones are scattered wide;
But still with fond delight the monarch's name is breathed,
His deeds of valor and his fame abide.

Learn thou, my soul, that more than sacred lesson well:
Who lives for good achieved, his fame endures;
To all who serve their age, and love their fellow men,
The holy Allah his reward insures.





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