Answering Him

"When shall I be a man? he said,

As I was putting him to bed.

"How many years will have to be

Before time makes a man of me?

And will I be a man when I

Am grown up big?" I heaved a sigh,

Because it called for careful thought

To give the answer that he sought.

And so I sat him on my knee,

And said to him: "A man you'll be

When you have learned that honor brings

More joy than all the crowns of kings;

That it is better to be true

To all who know and trust in you

Than all the gold of earth to gain

If winning it shall leave a stain.

When you can bravely fight for victory sweet,

Yet bravely swallow down defeat.

And cling to hope and keep the right,

When you are kind and brave and clean,

And fair to all and never mean;

Nor use deceit instead of might;

When there is good in all you plan

That day, my boy, you'll be a man."

Edgar A. Guest.