TO FRANK, ON HIS TWENTY-FIRST BIRTHDAY.
SEPTEMBER 5, 1857.
So! be a man and gird thy soul
To life's exalted aims!
The world awaits thee; go and meet
Its just and lofty claims.
Temptation round thy bark will roar;
Stem its o'erwhelming tide,
Breast all its waves with manly force,
And in God's strength abide.
God calls the workman to his toil;
Go with strong arm and free,
To do His bidding, and await
Life's opening destiny.
As springs the oak, with budding hope,
From the small acorn riven,
Spreads far and wide its sheltering boughs,
And lifts its head to heaven,—
So from this starting point of life
Pursue thy widening way,
Blessing and blest, till time shall bring
The light of endless day.
