Two Schools

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Title:     Two Schools
Author: Henry Van Dyke [More Titles by Van Dyke]

I put my heart to school
In the world, where men grow wise,
"Go out," I said, "and learn the rule;
"Come back when you win a prize."

My heart came back again:
"Now where is the prize?" I cried.--
"The rule was false, and the prize was pain,
"And the teacher's name was Pride."

I put my heart to school
In the woods, where veeries sing,
And brooks run cool and clear;
In the fields, where wild flowers spring,
And the blue of heaven bends near.
"Go out," I said: "you are half a fool,
"But perhaps they can teach you here."

"And why do you stay so long,
"My heart, and where do you roam?"
The answer came with a laugh and a song,--
"I find this school is home."

April, 1901.

[The end]
Henry Van Dyke's poem: Two Schools

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