叶慈 to unknown teacher

To the Unknown Teacher
　　Henry Van Dyke

　　I sing the praise of the Unknown Teacher. Great Generals win campaigns, but it is the Unknown Soldier who wins the war. Famous educators plan new systems of pedagogy, but it is the Unknown Teacher who delivers and guides the young. He lives in obscurity and contends with hardship. For him no trumpets blare, no chariots wait, no golden decorations are decreed. He knows the watch along the borders of darkness, and makes the attack on the trenches of ignorance and folly. Patient in his duty, he strives to conquer the evil powers which are the enemies of youth. He awakens sleeping spirits. He quickens the indolent, encourages the eager, and steadies the unstable. He communicates his own joy of learning, and shares with boys and girls the best treasures of the mind. He lights many candles, which, in later years, will shine back and cheer him. This is his reward. No one is more worthy to be enrolled in the democratic aristocracy, “