Be Strong

          Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle--face it; 'tis God's gift.

          Be strong!
Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?
And fold the hands and acquiesce--oh shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name.

          Be strong!
It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not--fight on! Tomorrow comes the song.

--Maltbie Davenport Babcock (1858-1901)