Library of the best American literature / Containing the lives of our authors in story form, their portraits, their homes, and their personal traits, how they worked and what they wrote; choice selections from eminent writers, embracing great American poets and novelists, foremost women in American letters, distinguished critics and essayists, our national humorists, noted journalists and magazine contributors, popular writers for young people, great orators and public lecturers

by Unknown

Before an adverse or a prosperous gale.

Man fearlessly his voice for truth should raise,

When truth would force its way in deed or word;

Whether for him the popular voice of praise,

Or the cold sneer of unbelief is heard:

Like the First Martyr, when his voice arose

Distinct above the hisses of his foes.

“Equal to either fortune,” Heaven designs,

Whether his destiny be repose or toil—

Whether the sun upon his palace shines,