Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A KIND-HEARTED STATUE, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A KIND-HEARTED STATUE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The quiet little transvaal
Last Line: Why, it is blest again!
Subject(s): Kruger, Stephanus Johannes (1825-1904); Statues; Transvaal, South Africa


The quiet little Transvaal,
On peaceful profit bent,
Was ruled by wise Paul Kruger,
Its farmer president.
So stoutly had he carried
The burdens on him laid,
The grateful Boers decided
To have his statue made.
Their plans were quite completed, --
A statue big and tall,
So set that all the city
Might see the great "Oom Paul."
But first, -- as was a proper
And gracious thing to do, --
They called on Mrs. Kruger,
To get her notions, too.

Then spoke that royal woman,
With simple, kind intent:
"Be sure to put a hat, sirs,
Upon the president;
And hollow out the top, please,
That rain may fill it up,
And all the birds may find it
A useful drinking-cup!"
So spoke dear Mrs. Kruger,
And gratefully, I think,
The birds will sing her praises
Whene'er they take a drink.
Ah, happy is the nation
Whose ruler cares for men;
And if his wife takes thought for birds,
Why, it is blest again!





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