Quiet Work- Arnold Matthew (1822-1888)

Quiet Work

One lesson, Nature let me learn of thee,

One lesson, which in every wind is blown,

One lesson of two duties kept at one

Though the loud world proclaim their enmity—

Of toil unsever’d from tranquillity!

Of Labour, that in lasting fruit outgrows

Far noisier schemes, accomplished in repose,

Too great for haste, too high for rivalry!

Yes, while on earth a thousand discords ring,

Man’s fitful uproar mingled with his toil,

Still do thy sleepless ministers move on,

Their glorious tasks in silence perfecting;

Still working, blaming still our vain turmoil,

Labours that shall not fail, when man is gone.

The Last Word-Arnold Matthew (1822-1888)

The Last Word

Creep into thy narrow bed,

Creep, and let no more be said!

Vain thy onset! all stands fast;

Thou thyself must break at last.

Let the long contention cease!

Geese are swans, and swans are geese.

Let them have it how they will!!

Thou art tired; best be still!

They out-talked thee, hiss’d thee, tore thee.

Better men fared thus before thee;

Fired their ringing shot and pass’d,

Hotly charg’d—and broke at last.

Charge once more, then be dumb!

Let the victors, when they come,

When the forts of folly fall,

Find thy body by the wall