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His disinterested and contented life could not
fail to impress thinking people ; and he has told
us how he first learned to value contentment, as a
young student. " Some words have power to
inspire faith, and faith may lead to achievement.
In 1886 when I read Shelley's Lines written in
Dejection near Naples, I was instantly struck with
the words :
" Nor that content surpassing wealth
The sage in meditation found,
And walked with inward glory crowned/'
I have never forgotten them; they are amongst
my mental treasures. Their purport has sunk
deeper into my heart with advancing years,
and given tone to my feelings and brought to
me a sense of constantly growing power."
But 50 years of silent meditation and earnest
endeavour were necessary before his heart could
respond to the echoes of the Prophet's exultant
cry " MY POVERTY is MY PRIDE, " which is the
subject of one of his shorter poems.
" Step by step, patiently and without tiring,
always with fresh ardour and renewed energy I
moved on towards the light that shone put from
J&edina. And during every hour of meditation
I heard a voice proclaim ' MY POVERTY is MY
PRIDE/ I ana not poor but I want to feel poor, so
as to find myself walking in his footsteps. Be-
fore the Prophet there had been great minds in
different ages whose words and practice had
sanctified poverty. Even the worldly-wise