Not colder is the grave-yard
Than was his attic bare,
When death had claimed his victim,
They found his “writings rare”
His name was now emblazoned
Upon the hearts of those
Who never did him justice,
Nor troubled at his woes.
Thus Fame, and Honor, Riches,
Oft come to man when dead,
Are proud to do him justice,
With laurel, crown his head.
HONOR, FAME, OR LOVE.
High Honor came to visit me,
And with him goddess Fame.
But Happiness deserted me
When Fame and Honor came.
I courted Honor, courted Fame,
They coldly smiled on me;
They soon became unwelcome guests,
For they caused Love to flee.
I fain would then have cast aside
The guests which I had sought.
Alas! It was too late, for they
Had then the evil wrought.
They were installed as guests of mine,
But soon I weary grew
Of their commands, of their demands,
And begged that Love renew
Dominion o’er my heart and home;
For home is drear indeed,
Though lacking nothing but sweet Love;
For Love the world doth lead.
My guests brought Jealousy one day.
Destroyer it, of peace.
When he came in, Love fled in fright,
And took with her sweet peace.
For Honor, Fame, and Love, can ne’er
In peace together dwell.
When Jealousy once joins the throng,
It is Love’s funeral knell.
When Love within our household reigns
Let none usurp her place.
She is the queen that e’er should rule,
And none should her abase.
COURAGE.
You will not find the bravest men
Upon the battle ground;
For in the quiet ranks of life
Great courage oft is found.
Though man may fight with brother man
In battle’s fierce array,
He may not have the courage to
Combat what others say.
If others are of “higher grade”;
To gain himself a place
Upon the social rung of life,
He may their views embrace.
If e’er the time shall come to you
When you will shrink with fear,
And do not dare defend your views,
Though they to you are dear
Let not your courage fail you then.—
Be sure that you are right,
Then never swerve from truth one point,
And for the truth e’en fight.
Though courage needed is in life,
And should of life be part,
Perverted it should never be,
Nor rule a loving heart.
“The race is not aye for the swift,
Nor battle, for the strong.”
Have courage to uphold the right.
And to denounce the wrong.
PERSEVERE.
Starting out to fight Life’s battles,
Persevere, persevere.
Though at first you may be worsted,
Persevere.
Though Life’s road be rough, and thorny,
Persevere, persevere.
Never falter by the wayside;
Persevere.
Though your burdens may be heavy,
Persevere, persevere.
Never drop them by the roadside;
Persevere.
Your ideal should be high heaven.
Persevere, persevere.
By perseverance you will gain it.
Persevere.
In this world, if seeking pleasure,
You will find, alas! but tears.
But in doing every duty,
Persevere.
E’en though hard may be the battle
For the right, for the right.
You must stand e’er by your colors.
Persevere.
Your companion must be Valor,
On your banner, Truth.
Perseverance be your pass-word.
Persevere.
If you’ve won in Life’s hard conflict;
You must still persevere.
For another life awaits you.
Persevere.