 | The heavenly guest with other unpublished writings |  |
TO YOUTH
Take heed, O Youth, both brave and bright,Battles there are for you to fight!
Stand erect and face them all,
Nor turn and flee, nor wavering fall;
Of all the world's bewildering gifts
Take only what the soul uplifts,
Keep firm your hand upon the helm
Lest bitter tempests overwhelm,
And watch lest evil mists should mar,
The splendor of your morning star,
And robe the glory of the day
You have not reached, in sullen gray—
Choose them, O Youth, both bright and brave!
Wilt be a monarch or a slave?
Ah! scorn to take one step below
The paths where Truth and Honor go!
On manhood's threshold stand a king,
Demanding all that life can bring,
Of lofty thought, of purpose high,
Of beauty and nobility,
Once master of yourself, no fate
Can make your rich world desolate,
And all men shall look up to see
The glory of your victory.
| The heavenly guest with other unpublished writings | |