James H. K. Hunter,  “Honor to All”

The Weekly American Organ, Washington, D.C., June 30, 1855
Honor to him whose sinew'd arm Swings the ponderous sledge; Honor to him whose sturdy hand Delves at the fruitless hedge; To every toiler who striveth To beautify the earth, Be honor and fame far greater Than to men of kingly birth. Who makes a blade of grass to grow, Where there grew none before; Is greater far than the demi-god, Whose mantle dips with gore; Then plant the spade in desert ground, And make its treasures spring, Go bless the land and home of him, Who's greater than a king.
Added August 14, 2026. Composed 1852 in Duffield, Virginia. JV