Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A GOOD, GREAT NAME, by FRANCES ELIZABETH CAROLINE WILLARD


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A GOOD, GREAT NAME, by                    
First Line: A good, great name!' so speak the bells
Last Line: "it shall sing on, ""a good, great name!"
Subject(s): Presidents, United States; Washington, George (1732-1799)


"A good, great name!" So speak the bells
In deep, clear tones that come to me
With one of history's noblest spells,
And tune my heart to patriot's key.

"A good, great name!" What millionaire
Has ever been remembered so?
What selfish life may ever share
The praise that makes these echoes flow?

"A good, great name!" It speaks to me
Of love to God and love to man;
These unities in which agree
Both Now and Here, both There and Then.

"A good, great name!" The tuneful bells
Ring on and on in their delight,
While my glad heart with purpose swells
To serve my country with my might.

"A good, great name!" It is the goal
Of all this splendid world can give;
Its conquest may well nerve to the soul
For man to die, for God to live.

"A good, great name!" O Washington!
We may not climb where thou hast stood,
Crowned with the people's loud, "Well done!"
A Pharos in time's rolling flood.

But to our measure's perfect height
Let each climb on toward generous fame.
So may the future's bells delight
To ring for us, "A good, great name!"

Or sweet and low, the human heart
Shall gently chime our holier fame;
Beyond the magic of man's art
It shall sing on, "A good, great name!"







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