A Reward [poem by Henry Kendall]

[Editor: This poem by Henry Kendall was published in Leaves from Australian Forests (1869).]

V.

A Reward.

Because a steadfast flame of clear intent
Gave force and beauty to full-actioned life;
Because his way was one of firm ascent,
Whose stepping-stones were hewn of change and strife;
Because as husband loveth noble wife,
He loved fair Truth; because the thing he meant
To do, that thing he did, nor paused, nor bent,
In face of poor and pale conclusions; yea,
Because of this, how fares the Leader dead?
What kind of mourners weep for him to-day?
What golden shroud is at his funeral spread?
Upon his brow what leaves of laurel, say?
About his breast is tied a sackcloth grey,
And knots of thorns deface his lordly head.

Source:
Henry Kendall, Leaves from Australian Forests, Melbourne: George Robertson, 1869, page 107