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The Young Leader
- Syracuse University Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
285 The Young Leader God said, “Although the land is young My people have grown weary-wise, To wag the smooth, excusing tongue And watch with easy, tolerant eyes. Although,” He said, “the land is strong And not yet come to her full prime, My people jostle cheeks with wrong They might have conquered in good time. “Less careful of the goal they grow Observing those who walk beside, To line up smoothly they forego The purchase of the younger stride. Too wise they grow for hero work; And prideful sophistries of ease That else they trampled in the murk, Now swathe like weeds about their knees. “One need I in this strong young land Whose heart shall with the land’s heart beat, To give my people to his hand And time their marching to his feet. They lag before their work is done Like over-fed and aging men, Now will I find them such an one To make the pace for them again.” And so God set the cunning gin Of place and hour and human stress To let the younger leaven in To work His will out in the press. Not as men choose, but as God sends— We have no right of pride in this— 286 Since one such sending makes amends For many choosings gone amiss. Editor’s Notes Out West, July 1902, 68. ...