THE POST OFFICE OF FIFTY YEARS AGO.
And the far-seeing won his way, at last,
Though pig-headed Obstruction's force died hard;
Denied his due, official bitters cast
Into the cup wrung slowly from their guard.
But not until the Country, wiser far
Than those that ruled it, with an angry cry,
Seeing its soldiers 'gainst it waging war,
At last said resolutely, " Stand you by!
"And let him in to do what he has said,
And you do not, and will not let him do."
And so at last the fight he fought was sped,
Thought at less cost freer and farther flew.
And all the world was kindlier closer knit,
And all man's written word can bring to man
Had easier ways of transit made for it,
And none sat silent under poortith's ban
When severed from his own, as in old days.
And this we owe to one sagacious brain,
By one kind heart well-guided, that in ways
Of life laborious sturdy strength had ta'en.
And his reward came, late, but sweeter so,
In the wide sway that his wise thought had won;
He was as one whose seed to tree should grow,
Who hears him blest that sowed it 'gainst the sun.
So love and honour made his grey hairs bright,
And while most things he hoped to fulness came,
And many ills he warred with were set right,
Good work and good life joined to crown his name.
And now that he is dead, we see how great
The good work done, the good life lived how brave,
And through all crosses hold him blest of fate,
Placing this wreath upon his honoured grave!
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