<h2><SPAN name="page122"></SPAN><span class="pagenum"></span>THE STATUE</h2>
<p class="poetry">A granite rock in the mountain side<br/>
Gazed on the world and was satisfied.<br/>
It watched the centuries come and go.<br/>
It welcomed the sunlight, yet loved the snow.<br/>
It grieved when the forest was forced to fall,<br/>
Yet joyed when steeples rose, white and tall,<br/>
In the valley below it, and thrilled to hear<br/>
The voice of the great town roaring near.</p>
<p class="poetry">When the mountain stream from its idle play<br/>
Was caught by the mill wheel and borne away<br/>
And trained to labour, the grey rock mused<br/>
‘Trees and verdure and stream are used<br/>
By Man the Master; but I remain<br/>
Friend of the mountain, and star, and plain,<br/>
Unchanged forever by God’s decree,<br/>
While passing centuries bow to me.’</p>
<p class="poetry"><SPAN name="page123"></SPAN><span class="pagenum">p.
123</span>Then all unwarned, with a mighty shock<br/>
Out of the mountain was wrenched the rock.<br/>
Bruised and battered and broken in heart,<br/>
It was carried away to the common mart,<br/>
Wrecked and ruined in piece and pride.<br/>
‘Oh, God is cruel,’ the granite cried,<br/>
‘Comrade of mountains, of stars the friend,<br/>
By all deserted, how sad my end.’</p>
<p class="poetry">A dreaming sculptor in passing by<br/>
Gazed at the granite with thoughtful eye.<br/>
Then stirred with a purpose supremely grand<br/>
He bade his dream in the rock expand.<br/>
And lo! from the broken and shapeless mass<br/>
That grieved and doubted, it came to pass<br/>
That a glorious statue of priceless worth<br/>
And infinite beauty, adorned the earth.</p>
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