LEVERAGE by T. R. Williamson

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Jan 17, 1906

LEVERAGE.

By T. R. Williamson

ARCHIMEDES the sage found, long ago, That all things earthly yield to upward pressure. He poised a bar upon a fulcrum so That power applied gave power in tenfold measure.

"Ah," said the old philosopher, "could I A planet find on which to rest my lever, Then swing some beam of strength into the sky, Its length extending out almost forever.

"Under this world I'd place the shortest end, And, fearless, seat myself upon the other; My puny weight should through its fibers send A force that giant nature could not smother."

Since the great thinker hailed the new-found law, That men plus hand-spikes can upset creation, O'er all the earth, by dint of tooth and claw, Each pries and turns as suits his inclination.

For every man may lift his share of weight, And force the big world nearer to the heavens. Life is the fulcrum, mind the power great, Love, hate, ambition, greed, the levers given.

Painted with lies, ambition lifts in vain; Greed's lever short can only curses raise; Hate of its bar a bludgeon makes to rain Black, murderous blows on all who merit praise.

Love, lightning-winged, with helmet of the sun, With face that like the dawn bids shadows flee, With mightful, piteous hands, pries down upon A shaft plucked up from holy Calvary.

Forever out its glorious length extends, And error's drag-chains snap beneath its power. Back to its home with God the world ascends, Linked to His throne with stars forevermore. —T. R. Williamson.