REASSUREMENT.
BY ADA IDDINGS GALE.
Fear not, heart—though round thee ply
Battle’s emblems—far and nigh.
Though thy comrades round thee fall—
Ensigns totter on the wall—
Though the long battalions grim
Seem to cloud thy future’s rim.
If amidst the wild affray
Thou grow sick, and turn away—
Pause: that would be worst of all,
If in fleeing, thou should’st fall.
Stand fast, girt with sword and shield—
If thou fall, fall in the field.
What matters it if sad defeat
Meet thy eager, hurrying feet;
What, if when the banners wave
Thou should’st find a shallow grave.
Foeward, bravely turn thy face,
Seek no measure small of grace;
And when loud the trumpets call,
Bravely stand or bravely fall.
Whether vict’ry or defeat,
Laurel wreath or winding sheet
Be thy meed—’twill differ not,
Soon or late ’twill be forgot.
Only thou, heart, e’er shalt know
Thy deserved praise here below.
Thou, and One that on his throne
Ne’er forgets to watch his own,
One that marks where sparrows flee,
Thee will guard with equity.
Then be brave with all thy might—
This thy guerdon—for the right.