| A builder builded a temple; |
| He wrought with care and skill;-- |
| Pillars and groins and arches |
| Were fashioned to meet his will; |
| And men said when they saw its beauty: |
| "It shall never know decay. |
| Great is they skill, O Builder. |
| Thy fame shall endure for aye." |
| A teacher builded a temple; |
| She wrought with skill and care; |
| Forming each pillar with patience, |
| Laying each stone with prayer. |
| None saw the unceasing effort; |
| None knew of the marvelous plan; |
| For the temple the teacher builded |
| Was unseen by the eyes of man. |
| Gone is the builder's temple;-- |
| Crumbled into the dust,-- |
| Pillar and groin and arches |
| Food for consuming rust; |
| But the temple the teacher builded |
| Shall endure while the ages roll;-- |
| For that beautiful, unseen temple |
| Was a child's immortal soul. |
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