Was my own lord. Then did I seek to rise
Out of the prison of my mean estate,
And, with such jewels as the exploring Mind
Brings from the cares of Knowledge, buy my ransom
From those twin gaolers of the daring heart,—
Low Birth and iron Fortune. Thy bright image,
Glassed in my soul, took all the hues of glory,
And lured me on to those inspiring toils
By which man masters men! For thee I grew
A midnight student o'er the dreams of sages!