Classic Poem

Up ! my friend, be bold and true,
There is noble work to do;
Hear the voice which calls on you,
“Up, and be a hero!”

What tho' fate has fixed thy lot
To the lowly russet cot,
Tho' you are not worth a gro't,
Thou may'st be a hero!

High heroic deeds are done,
Many a battle's lost or won,
Without either sword or gun—
Up, and be a hero!

Not to gain a worldly height,
Not for sensual delight,
But for very love of right,
Up, and be a hero!

Follow not the worldling's creed;
Be an honest man, indeed;
God will help you in your need,
Only be a hero!

There is seed which must be sown,
Mighty truths to be made known,
Tyrannies to be o'erthrown,
Up, and be a hero!

There are hatreds and suspicions,
There are social inquisitions,
Worse than ancient superstitions;
Strike them like a hero!

In the mighty fields of thought
There are battles to be fought,
Revolutions to be wrought;
Up, and be a hero!

Bloodless battles to be gain'd,
Spirits to be disenchain'd,
Holy heights to be attain'd;
Up, and be a hero!

To the noble soul alone
Nature's mystic art is shown;
God will make his secrets known
Only to the hero!

If thou only art but true,
What may not thy spirit do?
All is possible to you,
Only be a hero!