Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MAXIMUS, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MAXIMUS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I hold him great who for love's sake
Last Line: A greater conqueror in his sight.
Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary
Subject(s): God


MANY, if God should make them kings,
Might not disgrace the throne He gave;
How few who could as well fulfil
The holier office of a slave!

I hold him great who, for Love's sake,
Can give, with generous, earnest will, --
Yet he who takes for Love's sweet sake,
I think I hold more generous still.

I prize the instinct that can turn
From vain pretence with proud disdain;
Yet more I prize a simple heart
Paying credulity with pain.

I bow before the noble mind
That freely some great wrong forgives;
Yet nobler is the one forgiven,
Who bears that burden well, and lives.

It may be hard to gain, and still
To keep a lowly steadfast heart;
Yet he who loses has to fill
A harder and a truer part.

Glorious it is to wear the crown
Of a deserved and pure success; --
He who knows how to fail has won
A Crown whose lustre is not less.

Great may he be who can command
And rule with just and tender sway;
Yet is diviner wisdom taught
Better by him who can obey.

Blessed are those who die for God,
And earn the Martyr's crown of light;
Yet he who lives for God may be
A greater Conqueror in His sight.





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