Philosopher's Garden

"See this my garden,
Large and fair
!"
--Thus, to his friend,
The Philosopher.

"'Tis not too long,"
His friend replied,
With truth exact,--
"Nor yet too wide.
But well compact,
If somewhat cramped
On every side
."

Quick the reply--
"But see how high!--
It reaches up
To God's blue sky
!"

Not by their size
Measure we men
Or things.
Wisdom, with eyes
Washed in the fire,
Seeketh the things
That are higher--
Things that have wings,
Thoughts that aspire.

William Arthur Dunkerley (John Oxenham)

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