Classic Poem

We watch the solemn courses of the stars,
And feel the swell of reverence and praise,
Even though some may fall:


We watch the birds,
The small birds, finding each her food and mate;
Nest-building, happy, busy, free from care,
Even though some may starve:


We see in these
The smooth fulfillment of their nature's law;
They are content and calm and good to see,
Because of this fulfillment; they are true.
And we? Have we no law? May we not show
That power in peace, that happiness in work,
That rich contentment in our share of life,—
Even though some may fail? …
What is our law?

Truth: To be true: To hold oneself in line
With the uplifting forces of the world,
That lift us as they lifted continents;
Truth to one's work.

Courage: The courage that can stand alone
Against the doubt and hate of millions here,
Against the million millions of the past,
Against one's own distrust
Courage that stands.

Love: To wish well to all the human race;
To will toward happiness for every one
To feel, to guard, to give—
Love actual.

Work: Not pay-earning, but the outflow wide
Of one's best powers in special services,
Those subtle services that build the world,
Each for the others, organized and strong.
This is the Human Law. So we should live,
Each honestly fulfilling one's own task,
In love and courage; seeing in that work
The smooth fulfillment of our nature's law,
Even though some may fail