What is the fruitage of that high estate,
To be of those the greatest of the great?
Surely, not wealth nor its ephemeral shows,
Nor spoils of war, nor all the pomp of state!
For great indeed are geniuses whose thought
Arts and inventions to mankind has taught,
And civilization hitherto unknown,—
For they to earth immortal gifts have brought.
And great indeed are artists who inspire
Our thoughts with high incentive and desire,
Through music, painting, poem, and high theme,
To help and cheer our race to heights still higher.
