Questions & Answers
I like the man who faces what he must, With a step triumphant, and a heart of cheer, Who fights the daily battle without fear, Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps the unfaltering trust— That God is God; that somehow true, and just, His plans work out for mortals; not a tear Is shed when fortune, which the world holds dear, Falls from his grasp; better, with love, a crust Than living in dishonor; envies not Nor loses faith in man; but does his best, Nor ever murmurs at his humble lot, But with a smile and words of hope, gives zest To every toiler: he alone is great Who by a life heroic conquers fate. Selected.
The wild birds watch for brighter days Ere they begin their hymns of praise, They wait a flower-decked world of light To take the place of winter's night. Not so our hearts! whose gratitude Depends not on the season's mood: The ceaseless blessings of new birth Bring glimpses of new heaven and earth.
" I shall be satisfied," the promise reads,— Appeased shall be all longings of desire, Filled to the brim the measure of my needs, Supplied in full all good that I require. I shall be satisfied,—be freed from doubt; Suspense, uncertainty, their flight shall take; Complete assurance shall be brought about,— I shall be satisfied, when I awake.
Long, long ago, among Judea's hills, A shepherd-minstrel strolled on worship bent. He loved the mossy glebe and gurgling rills; Of these he sang with reverence as he went.
Shepherds still watch through the night their sheep, Hopes of heaven the flocks they keep. Angels still sing, as they sang of old,— Though faith be faint, and the night be cold,— And the same sweet message still they bring, "Come, see in a manger the new-born king.
When Christ appears within the hearts of men, The bells of love shall ring from sea to sea, Across the land from mountain peak to peak, To cheer the thought of all humanity. When Christ appears the gray earth shall be new, The flowers of day be fairer than of old.
Great captains,with their guns and drums, Disturb our judgment for the hour, But at last silence comes; These all are gone,and,standing like a tower, Our children shall behold his fame, The kindly-earnest,brave,foreseeing man, Sagacious,patient,dreading praise,not blame, New birth of our new soil,the first American. From Lowell's From "Harvard Commemoration Ode.
Upon the rugged field the wrestlers fought Till far into the night, and Jacob wrought For mastery, till his foe for mercy sought. And still they strove, and still with brave intent, Though torn his thigh, the sinews reft and rent, Our father bore his baneful chastisement.
A woman was given a candle, And she hid it away on the shelf. It is all I have, she murmured, And hardly enough for myself, So I must not let any one see it, But all through the coming night I'll know it is ready and waiting, In case I should need the light.
Full is our harvest, and the waving grain Whispers through sun-filled hours of mercies sent; Heaven's ear bends low to catch the faintest strain Of human gratitude midst life's content. Oh, sing a song that naught of sorrow leaves; Send forth unceasing thoughts of love untold; Then blissful, go and gather in thy sheaves And lo! thy harvest is a thousandfold.