Page:Landon in Fisher's Drawing Room Scrap Book 1832.pdf/39

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! is it not a gallant sight to mark A little vessel breast the stormy sea, With sails triumphant swelling to the wind? Dashing the waters from her side in scorn, She cleaves the ocean, and, with arrowy prow, Scattering the snowy foam, a sparkling shower, And leaving a bright track behind, in sign Of victory. Our human pride delights In such a triumph over wind and wave, Because she knows 'tis not the plank and sail But human mind that holds the mastery. The canvass has been spread by human hand, And human hand it is that guides the helm. Methinks with nobler triumph we should mark Some gallant spirit through the sea of life Shape its successful course. Sustained, impelled By energy unconquerable within, A life like Curran's has enough to make Humanity ashamed and proud. 'Tis strange To think what toil is wasted upon some, How ancient scrolls unfold their precious store, The learned folio yields its silver clasp, The modern page marks out its easy way Some learned man to aid, assist, explain, And all to prove some fool is also dunce. Now watch the progress of a nobler mind: It has no aid, except from obstacles To conquer which invigorates: learned wealth As much debarred as golden; every step Made difficult by want of help; and books Things more of a desire than of a hope. And yet that boy will rise into a man. The honoured of his country, and will leave A name imperishable as the soul.