All the charm with which they're fraught;

He may be a friend of Nature

And may understand her laws;

He may prove embryo creature

Has within itself a "cause";

He may fathom all creation

[Pg 12]

And dwell among the stars,

Visit every land and nation

And return with honor's scars;

Yet he may lack a power,—

Occult to scientific truth—

Which is Heaven's richest dower

To the guides of ardent youth.

Though all these may give a polish

To the gem that lights the soul,

They are weak, useless, and foolish,

When they're taken for the whole

Of all the powers required

To entrance the youthful mind,

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