Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ABRAHAM LINCOLN (2), by RICHARD HENRY STODDARD


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ABRAHAM LINCOLN (2), by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: This man whose homely face you look upon
Last Line: To this dear benefactor of the race.
Variant Title(s): Lincoln's Birthday;to A Portrait Of Lincoln
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


THIS man whose homely face you look upon,
Was one of nature's masterful, great men;
Born with strong arms, that unfought battles won;
Direct of speech, and cunning with the pen.
Chosen for large designs, he had the art
Of winning with his humor, and he went
Straight to his mark, which was the human heart;
Wise, too, for what he could not break he bent.
Upon his back a more than Atlas-load,
The burden of the Commonwealth, was laid;
He stooped, and rose up to it, though the road
Shot suddenly downwards, not a whit dismayed.
Hold, warriors, councillors, kings! All now give place
To this dear benefactor of the race.





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