The Poetical Works of George MacDonald (Parables)
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Willie speaks.
I meant the boys at school,
I did not mean my brother. Somebody first, is there the rule--
It must be me or another.
The Father answers.
Oh, Willie, it's all the same!
They are your brothers all; For when you say, "Hallowed be thy name!"
Whose Father is it you call?
Could you pray for such rule to him?
Do you think that he would hear? Must he favour one in a greedy whim
Where all are his children dear?
It is right to get up and do,
But why outstrip the rest? Why should one of the many be one of the few?
Why should you think to be best?
Willie speaks.
Then how am I to be great?
I know no other way; It would be folly to sit and wait,
I must up and do, you say!
The Father answers.
I do not want you to wait,
For few before they die Have got so far as begin to be great,
The lesson is so high.
I will tell you the only plan
To climb and not to fall: He who would rise and be greater than
He is, must be servant of all.
Turn it each way in your mind,
Try every other plan, You may think yourself great, but at length you'll find
You are not even a man.
Climb to the top of the trees,
Climb to the top of the hill,
Get up on the crown of the sky if you please,
You'll be a small creature still.
Be admiral, poet, or king,
Let praises fill both your ears, Your soul will be but a windmill thing
Blown round by its hopes and fears.