It's easy to fight when everything's right,
And you're mad with the thrill and the glory;
It's easy to cheer when victory's near,
And wallow in fields that are gory.
It's a different song when everything's wrong,
When you're feeling infernally mortal;
When it's ten against one, and hope there is none,
Buck up, little soldier, and chortle:
Carry on! Carry on!
......
AFOOT and light-hearted, I take to the open road,
Healthy, free, the world before me,
The long brown path before me, leading wherever I choose.
Henceforth I ask not good-fortune--I myself am good fortune;
Henceforth I whimper no more, postpone no more, need nothing,
Strong and content, I travel the open road.
The earth--that is sufficient;
I do not want the constellations any nearer;
......
Ho! we were strong, we were swift, we were brave.
Youth was a challenge, and Life was a fight.
All that was best in us gladly we gave,
Sprang from the rally, and leapt for the height.
Smiling is Love in a foam of Spring flowers:
Harden our hearts to him -- on let us press!
Oh, what a triumph and pride shall be ours!
See where it beacons, the star of success!
Cares seem to crowd on us -- so much to do;
......
When I am tired of earnest men,
Intense and keen and sharp and clever,
Pursuing fame with brush or pen
Or counting metal disks forever,
Then from the halls of Shadowland
Beyond the trackless purple sea
Old Martin's ghost comes back to stand
Beside my desk and talk to me.
Still on his delicate pale face
......
LARA.
CANTO THE FIRST.
I.
The Serfs are glad through Lara's wide domain,
And slavery half forgets her feudal chain;
He, their unhoped, but unforgotten lord —
The long self-exiled chieftain is restored:
......
Stay with great hope,
Pray with belief,
Obey with discipline,
Play with dexterity,
Display cooperation,
Convey your trust,
Away let fear go,
Day-by-day, improve,
Dismay must be ejected,
May come setbacks,
......
Experience that you earn,
Must be utilized profitably,
Sad memories, you must burn,
And pursue further indefatigably,
Hopefully wait for your turn,
One day, you will win indubitably,
If efforts produce no return,
Fret and fume not uncomfortably,
Pray to the Lord to show concern,
Without keeping silent unjustifiably,
......
Please be ready,
With mind steady,
And body sturdy,
To find a remedy !
-
When hard you try,
Problems soon die,
When sadly you cry,
Hope cuts the tie !
-
......
Worry, never at all carry,
Hurry is unnecessary,
Agree never to feel sorry,
Very good is having bravery,
Penury can be made temporary,
......
Don't waste your time on play and fun,
if yourself you want to carry.
To wealth and fame you should make a run,
before you are to marry.
In younger days you have a chance to make your life succeed,
but if you wait there will come a day from work you shall retreat.
For precious time is gliding by in Winter, Spring and Fall,
in Summer time you should relax as time does bind us all.
......