Classic Poem

How hotly men will wrangle—
One furious with another!
See how the strong hands mangle
Some poor down-trodden brother.
Is this the lofty nature?
Is this the lordly mind?
Can no poor human creature
Love and be kind?

But if such strife be common,
There still are nobler spirits
To rescue and illumine,
The mould that man inherits.
Such, with the lamp of goodness,
A tranquil pathway find,
Such, in the raging rudeness,
Are gentle and kind.

Strive boldly, human brother—
Not with your fellow-creature
But in self-war—to smother
All growth of evil nature.
Be of the nobler spirits!
Forgive, forget, be blind
To others' faults—not merits;
Love and be kind.

Then, if it chance such yielding
Invite the rude aggression—
If patience gives no shielding
Against a base oppression;
Stand up, and dare the danger
In armour manifold—
Defender, not avenger:
Be strong and bold!