Memoirs of Anne C. L. Botta/To my friend, on his birthday (II)

He who has walked among his fellow-men This life's rough path for threescore years and ten, Bearing for others, on the weary way, The heat and burden of the toilsome day; Sounding the silvery notes of faith and hope Whene'er the weak or the despairing droop; Speaking the words of sympathy and love, Far the wild discords of the world above; Raising the fallen, succoring the opprest--- The Holy Graal of unfound good his quest; Holding aloft, a true and blameless Knight, The stainless banner of the Just and Right: He is the Christian hero of to-day, And at his feet my tribute here I lay.