I follow a famous father, <br />His honor is mine to wear; <br />He gave me a name that was free from shame, <br />A name he was proud to bear. <br />He lived in the morning sunlight, <br />And marched in the ranks of right. <br />He was always true to the best he knew <br />And the shield that he wore was bright. <br /> <br />I follow a famous father, <br />And never a day goes by <br />But I feel that he looks down to me <br />To carry his standard high. <br />He stood to the sternest trials <br />As only a brave man can; <br />Though the way be long, I must never wrong <br />The name of so good a man. <br /> <br />I follow a famous father, <br />Not known to the printed page, <br />Nor written down in the world's renown <br />As a prince of his little age. <br />But never a stain attached to him <br />And never he stooped to shame; <br />He was bold and brave and to me he gave <br />The pride of an honest name. <br /> <br />I follow a famous father, <br />And him I must keep in mind; <br />Though his form is gone, I must carry on <br />The name that he left behind. <br />It was mine on the day he gave it, <br />It shone as a monarch's crown, <br />And as fair to see as it came to me <br />It must be when I pass it down.<br /><br />Edgar Albert Guest<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/follow-a-famous-father/
