The evidence of an eternity :
The boy who carves his name upon a tree
Reveals the undying principle within him.
And proves himself an heir of endless life.
THE SETTING SUN. 2$

Fame is a matter of mere accident —
Those who deserve it most obtain it least.
Millions of noble actions are performed
Which only the All-seeing eye beholds ;
Good actions, which the world knows nothing of,
Yet are recorded in the Book of Life.
Fame sometimes is developed suddenly.
Wide spread and beautiful to look upon,
Springing up in a night as doth a mushroom,
But fading quickly in the glare of day.
Fame sometimes, like an acorn in the earth.
Lies latent long, and slowly shoots at last,
Growing by slow degrees from a small grain
Up into vastness and enduring strength.
Justice avenges the awards of fame.
The more applause is thrust into men's faces
The briefer is its durability.
The impassioned actor and the orator
Drink overflowing goblets of applause
Whose effervescence ends as it begins.
The statesman who enjoys the gifts of power —
Whose influence guides the progress of events,
Whom all men cringe to as a demigod,
Whom plaudits welcome when he deigns to speak.
Dies, and bequeaths an unregarded name ;
His eloquence, employed on fleeting topics,
And power withdrawn, his name is soon forgotten.
Although a coronet may surround his brows ;
While the starved author in his cobwebbed garret.
Unknown to all the passers in the street,



20 THE SETTING SUN.
