The wisest man could ask no more of Fate
Than to be simple, modest, manly, true,
Safe from the Many, honored by the Few;
To count as naught in World, or Church, or State,
But inwardly in secret to be great.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891) American diplomat, essayist, poet
“Jeffries Wyman,” The Nation #484 (8 Oct 1874)
    (Source)

 
Added on 20-Jun-17 | Last updated 30-Jun-17
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2 thoughts on ““Jeffries Wyman,” <i>The Nation</i> #484 (8 Oct 1874)”

  1. Hugh Hyatt

    FYI, the earliest source seems to be The Nation, Vol XIX, No 484, 8 Oct 1874, p 234, col 1 [http://bit.ly/2sXXEsx]. Also, the 19 Nov 1874 issue, p 331, col 2, notes that the publication of this sonnet in October contained a typographical error, i.e., that “court” should have been “count”.

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