There is no way to shake it!" "On! ON!" exclaimed the hero, "I'll find a way, or make it!" 2 Is Fame your aspiration? Her path is steep and high; In vain you seek her temple, Content to gaze and sigh: The shining throne is waiting, But he alone can take it, Who says, with Roman firmness, "I'll find a way, or make it!” 3 Is Learning your ambition? Must climb to her abode; If he has still the Roman will, 4 Are Riches worth the getting? To all the prize is open, But only he can take it, Who says, with Roman courage, “I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!" HELPS TO STUDY Notes and Questions What is the castle called in the first stanza? Where were the hero and the coward? Read the coward's words. Where does the poet imagine the What did Washington do which may be compared to climbing a steep, path? When did Washington take the "shining throne''? What do you know of the life of Washington which shows that he did not think of fame? Read the line which tells what everyone must do who wishes to obtain learning. How does the school help you to climb? How have men made ways through forests? How have they made ways through mountains? Words and Phrases for Discussion "peer and peasant' “royal road" Helicon-a mountain range in Greece on the slopes of which were the fountains supposed to give inspiration to poets. BETTER THAN GOLD ABRAM J. RYAN Abram J. Ryan was born in Norfolk, Va., in 1836, and served as a chaplain in the Civil War. He died in 1886. "Better than Gold" is one of his choice poems. 1 Better than grandeur, better than gold, Is a healthy body, a mind at ease, And simple pleasures that always please;- 2 Better than gold is a conscience clear, Adorn and ennoble a poor man's cot; 3 Better than gold is the sweet repose A shorter road to the land of dreams. 4 Better than gold is a thinking mind, 5 Better than gold is a peaceful home Or tried with sorrow by Heaven's decree, GRADATIM JOSIAH GILBERT HOLLAND Josiah Gilbert Holland (1819-1881) was an American poet and journalist. He was born on a Massachusetts farm, but studied medicine and afterward became editor of the "Springfield Republican." He was one of the founders of "Scribner's Monthly Magazine" and became its editor. 1 Heaven is not reached at a single bound, 2 I count this thing to be grandly true, 3 We rise by the things that are under our feet, HELPS TO STUDY Where does the poet imagine the foot of the ladder to be? How is the ladder built? By what kind of deeds do we as cend this ladder? What kind of actions cause us to slip back? What foes does the third stanza Abridged. tell us we must conquer, if we wish to mount the ladder? Mention some noble deed of which you have read in this book. What opportunities have boys and girls to do noble deeds? |