And, as they try some dainty form to mold,

I hear them softly say,

“What shall we make? an apple or a vase?

Some marbles, or a fan?”

One little boy, a smile upon his face,

Says, “I shall make a man.”

Straightway, with lengthened face, he, at his task,

Begins, and ’neath the hands

Unskilful, weak, and yet too proud to ask

For aid, a form expands,