Atlanta Semi Weekly Journal

THE LEADER
BY ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON.
In the New York Times.
This is the man they deemed of languid blood.
A schoolman versed in books, who, Hamlet-like,
Showed but heat-flashes powerless to strike—
His resolution blighted in the bud.
They knew him not—nor we, who trusted him.
See! how his brooding purpose, taking form,
Falls like swift lightning from long-gathered storm.
While fateful thunder shakes round world's rim.
His country, stirred by him to lofty strife,
Sharing his vision with high passion thrills;
It climbs renouncing minor goods and ills.
And stands beside him at the crown of life.
To a new knighthood he ordains the brave.
To be soul-worthy of a freeman's birth
Not for our wrongs alone, but that on earth
None shall be master, none shall be a slave.
But yesterday a secret of his heart.
His welcome message floods the globe like light;
It cheers the farthest darkness by its might;
Its boldness makes the undissevered start.
Where it has spread by sea or mountain side
Or by the bivouac of the caravan,
The lowliest feels a part of Heaven's plan
And stands erect with newly wakened pride.
Beleaguered Liberty takes heart again,
Hearing afar the rescuing bugles blow;
And even in the strongholds of the foe
His name becomes the whispered hope of men.