To________
You might have seen the flags unfurled
In splendor, telling of the fame
And honor of your well-loved name,
Through realms and nations of the world,
Or turned your dexterous hand to such
As lends to one of cunning skill,
Devout in heart and strong in will,
Her bounteous treasure overmuch,
And thus immortal in renown –
Simplicity and greatness wed –
You might have placed upon your head
The laurel green, the golden crown;
But you have found the kindlier way –
Forsaken honor, wealth, and fame,
And lost your well-deserved acclaim –
The light of an obscurer day;
To lesser means come nobler ends:
You sought the best, nor shunned the pain;
Of double-sacrifice, the gain
Is triple-love from constant friends.