Then I fling wide the portal
And welcome them to the hall,
With praise for the strong, and pity
For the weak, and love for all.
And the welcome that I give them
Is reward for those that win;
And they who are spent with fighting
Find a new strength therein.
And when they have told their stories,
And rested a little space,
They rise, and get them forth again
Each man to his own place;
To take the task that waits him,
And labor to the end,
That he may earn a living
For wife and child and friend.
Careless of sneers and frowning
From curs that cringe and shirk,
Asking no greater pleasure
Than the sight of his finished work.
VIII
“Ye who to-day must follow
Whither your fates shall lead,
These are your elder brothers!
Prove yourselves of the breed!
See that ye count as shameful
No work your hands can do;
And when ye are spent, come back to me
That I may comfort you.
Now, through the open portal,
Rise and go forth to-day!
And a mother’s blessing go with you,
To help you on your way.”