Steadfast
No one ever has a trouble so great that some other person has not a greater. The thought of the heroism shown by those more grievously afflicted than we, helps us to bear our own ills patiently.
If I can help another bear an ill
By bearing mine with somewhat of good grace—
Can take Fate’s thrusts with not too long a face
And help him through his trials, then I WILL!
For do not braver men than I decline
To bow to troubles graver, far, than mine?
Pain twists this body? Yes, but it shall not
Distort my soul, by all the gods that be!
And when it’s done its worst, Pain’s victory
Shall be an empty one! Whate’er my lot,
My banner, ragged, but nailed to the mast,
Shall fly triumphant to the very last!
Others so much worse off than I have fought;
Have smiled—have met defeat with unbent head
They shame me into following where they led.
Can I ignore the lesson they have taught?
Strike hands with me! Dark is the way we go,
But souls-courageous line it—that I know!
Everard Jack Appleton.
From “The Quiet Courage.”