a man would do great work, good work and true;

he gave all things he had, all things he knew;

he worked for all the world; his one desire

to make the people happier, better, higher;

used his best wisdom, used his utmost strength;

and, dying in the struggle, found at length,

the giant evils he had fought the same,

and that the world he loved scarce knew his name.

“has all my work been wrong? i meant so well!

i loved so much!” he cried. “how could i tell?”

and answered nature, merciful and stern,

“i teach by killing; let the others learn.”