TO MY SOUL.
When passions lure thee to deeds of shame,
And sorely tempt thee to stain thy name,
Arouse thy manhood, let virtue win,
And carefully shun the path of sin,
Turn away! turn away, my soul!
When boon companions present the cup
Of sparkling liquor for thee to sup,
Reject the offer, don’t stop to think,
For snakes lie hidden in the first drink,
Keep away! keep away, my soul!
When the gambler tempts thee to his den,
Where a dollar ventured brings back ten,
Tell him begone, you’ve a better plan,
You’ll work for wealth like an honest man,
Be honest! be honest, my soul!
When rogues approach thee with scheme and plan
For helping them rob your fellowman,
With indignation, rebuke and scorn,
Make the rascals wish they’d ne’er been born,
Act bravely! act bravely, my soul!
When brazen women with tricks and snares,
Seek to entrap thee within their lairs,
Beware! O beware! The fatal spell
That hurries men down to death and hell,
Fly away! Fly away, my soul!
When cares and troubles distract thy brain,
And weigh thee down with sorrow and pain,
Cling to thy virtues with all thy strength,
And life’s great battle you’ll win at length,
Be manly! be manly, my soul!
When fortune crowns thee with earned success,
Cease not to think, or to labor less,
But kindle anew the fires of youth,
And bravely uphold the cause of truth,
Be noble! be noble, my soul!
And should you perchance be called a fool,
For striving to live by Christian rule,
Be not discouraged, but brave and strong,
Adhere to the right, denounce the wrong,
Have courage! have courage, my soul.