Zinzendorff and Other Poems/Anacharsis, the Philosopher
ANACHARSIS, THE PHILOSOPHER.
From Scythia's wilds, the Sage to Athens came,
In search of wisdom, not allur'd by fame,
But there, his uncouth mien provok'd the proud,
And mov'd the laughter of a thoughtless crowd,
Who saw not through a veil so coarsely wove,
An upright soul, that heaven itself might love.
—"Think ye I draw no glory from my birth,
My simple manners, and my native earth?
Yet say what honor can your country claim,
From sons unworthy of her ancient name?
Say, which is best, to shine with borrow'd rays,
Or rear that column which the world shall praise."
—A scroll from Lydia's king,—"Come, nobly wise!
Thou whom the triflers of the age despise,
Come! view my riches and my royal train,
Nor count the labor of thy journey vain;
Not now I boast my gifts, but thou shalt find
The monarch Crœsus of no niggard mind;
Come, Scythian sage! and be content to bring
Unportion'd wisdom, to a judging king."
—Then spake the man, who scorn'd the charms of gold,
With soul indignant and in language bold,
—"Think'st thou I wander'd from my Scythian home
For glittering dust, or polish'd stones to roam?
I sought the gem of wisdom where it shines,
With gather'd brightness in the Grecian mines.
Happy, might I such sacred prize attain,
And reach in peace my lowly roof again,
And yet preserve in purity refin'd
The chrystal treasure of a virtuous mind."