William Henry Groom Vale`

NOW is there rest for heart and brain No mandate calls to him again. The lips that voiced the People’s will Are powerless now, and very still. The heart that loved the common cause, The brain that wrought a Nation’s laws— These are no more. There only creeps The shadow of a common grief. We, who have reaped what he has sown, Shall we not sorrow for our own, Though now in silence and relief The Tribune of the People sleeps! Life hath its crowns in War and Art, In Council Hall and busy Mart— The noblest that a man may win Is that his name shall linger in The People’s heart. For never shall oblivion slight The hearts that fight the People’s fight. Much less, when, thro’ a life of stress, One voice ’gainst countless odds has stood, And won, in pain and bitterness, The People’s good. He buildeth best who buildeth sure, Who, year by year, lays stone on stone, Broad-based and steadfast to endure, Whose guerdon is his work alone— There is no fame to rise above The crowning honour of a People’s love. So leave him to his rest, who toiled for all, Nor gave his life to pile ill-gotten gains. He passes to obey the Master call: His work remains.