I see you struggling in the wilderness
Where failure meant starvation - and success
A cabin in the wilderness, rough hewn, rude,
Garments of homespun and the humblest food.

Tradition scarcely tells me whence you came,
I only know a few of you by name;
I only know you lived and multiplied
Quite profligate in progeny - and died.

Yet in my heart I know that most of you,
Were strong and steadfast and that one or two
At least had weaknesses that still may be
Traced in the trends of atavistic me.

One I am sure was blest with native wit -
I'm thankful he transmitted some of it! -
That helped him dodge Dame Trouble's swiftest dart,
And meet misfortune with a merry heart.

One was rather a worthless wight I fear,
Who when the bluebird whispered Spring was near
Forsook his plow - a shiftless sluggard one
And roamed the woods alone with rod and gun.

And one a gentle dreamer was, I trow,
Who, lured by shadows, let the substance go.
Twas he who dared the raging Western sea -
I'm glad he handed down his dream to me!