Poems That Every Child Should Know/Heaven Is Not Reached at a Single Bound

by Josiah Gilbert Holland

For other versions of this work, see Gradatim.

Heaven Is Not Reached at a Single Bound.

(A FRAGMENT.)

"We build the ladder by which we climb" is a line worthy of any poet. J. G. Holland (1819-81) has immortalised himself in this line, at least.

Heaven is not reached at a single bound,
But we build the ladder by which we rise
From the lowly earth to the vaulted skies,
And we mount to its summit round by round.

I count this thing to be grandly true:
That a noble deed is a step toward God,—
Lifting the soul from the common clod
To a purer air and a broader view.

J. G. Holland.