With no veil before their face
    Such as shroud or sceptre lend—
Daily in the market-place,
    Of one height to foe and friend—
They must cheapen self to find
Ends uncheapened for mankind.

Through the night when hirelings rest
    Sleepless they arise, alone,
The unsleeping arch to test
    And the o’er-trusted corner-stone,
’Gainst the need, they know, that lies
Hid behind the centuries.

Not by lust of praise or show
    Not. by Peace herself betrayed—
Peace herself must they forego
    Till that peace be fitly made;
And in single strength uphold
Wearier hands and hearts acold.

On the stage their act bath framed
    For thy sports, O Liberty!
Doubted are they, and defamed
    By the tongues their act set free,
While they quicken, tend and raise
Power that must their power displace.

Lesser men feign greater goals,
    Failing whereof they may sit
Scholarly to judge the souls
    That go down into the pit,
And, despite its certain clay,
Heave a new world towards the day.

These at labour make no sign,
    More than planets, tides or years
Which discover God’s design,
    Not our hopes and not our fears;
Nor in aught they gain or lose
Seek a triumph or excuse.