James Russell Lowell

Democ'acy gives every man
A right to be his own oppressor.

Democ'acy gives every man
A right to be his own oppressor.

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.

Aspiration sees only one side of every question; possession,
many.

Aspiration sees only one side of every question; possession,
many.

And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then read more

And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,
And over it softly her warm ear lays.

Be noble! and the nobleness that lies
In other men, sleeping, but never dead,
Will rise in read more

Be noble! and the nobleness that lies
In other men, sleeping, but never dead,
Will rise in majesty to meet thine own.