They tell me thou art rich, my country: gold <br />In glittering flood has poured into thy chest; <br />Thy flocks and herds increase, thy barns are pressed <br />With harvest, and thy stores can hardly hold <br />Their merchandise; unending trains are rolled <br />Along thy network rails of East and West; <br />Thy factories and forges never rest; <br />Thou art enriched in all things bought and sold! <br /> <br />But dost thou prosper? Better news I crave. <br />O dearest country, is it well with thee <br />Indeed, and is thy soul in health? <br />A nobler people, hearts more wisely brave, <br />And thoughts that lift men up and make them free,-- <br />These are prosperity and vital wealth!<br /><br />Henry Van Dyke<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/america-s-prosperity/
