Great-Heart

 Theodore Roosevelt

"The interpreter then called for a man-servant of his, one Great-Heart.
"--Bunyan's' Pilgrim's Process

 Concerning brave Captains
 Our age hath made known
 For all men to honour,
 One standeth alone,
 Of whom, o'er both oceans,
 Both peoples may say:
 "Our realm is diminished
 With Great-Heart away.
"

 In purpose unsparing,
 In action no less,
 The labours he praised
 He would seek and profess
Through travail and battle,
 At hazard and pain.
 .
 .
 .

And our world is none the braver
 Since Great-Heart was ta'en!

Plain speech with plain folk,
 And plain words for false things,
Plain faith in plain dealing
 'Twixt neighbours or kings,
He used and he followed,
 However it sped.
 .
 .
 .

Oh, our world is none more honest
 Now Great-Heart is dead!

The heat of his spirit
 Struck warm through all lands;
For he loved such as showed
 'Emselves men of their hands;
In love, as in hate,
 Paying home to the last.
 .
 .
 .

But our world is none the kinder
 Now Great-Heart hath passed!

Hard-schooled by long power,
 Yet most humble of mind
Where aught that he was
 Might advantage mankind.

Leal servant, loved master,
 Rare comrade, sure guide.
 .
 .
 .

Oh, our world is none the safer
 Now Great-Heart hath died!

Let those who would handle
 Make sure they can wield
His far-reaching sword
 And his close-guarding shield:
For those who must journey
 Henceforward alone
Have need of stout convoy
 Now Great-Heart is gone.

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