THY PART.
27
Hast thou done reverence in thy heart
To such as she, who serve and wait—
Been mindful in thy place and part
That self-forgetful souls grow great?
Hast thou her narrower portion made
By sympathy more large and sweet?
Or ever branch of laurel laid
At her unconscious, tireless feet?
Hast thou not eaten of her bread
And hurried forth forgetfully?
Or stood, perchance, with unbared head
And smiled at her simplicity?
Nay, brother, she who in her soul
Has kept the altar-fires alight
May all unconscious touch the goal
And outrank thee in Heaven's sight.
