Classic Poem

Up! Up and onward! Cast thy loads
Behind thee, as thou speedest on;
To shining summits, stretch the roads
Which many rain storms beat upon.
If boulders from the awful height
Come crashing down, look not at them;
A hand unseen will guide their flight, —
They may not touch thy garment's hem.

Since thou didst leave the vales below,
Where smooth, green paths for thee were made;
Since thou didst say thy feet should go
Up the great mountains, unafraid,
Make now thy words of boasting good,
Unto the void thy terrors toss;
Vex not thy chosen solitude
With words of loneliness and loss.

Up! Up and onward! Cast thy loads
Behind thee, as thou speedest on;
To shining summits, stretch the roads
Which many rain storms beat upon.
If boulders from the awful height
Come crashing down, look not at them;
A hand unseen will guide their flight, —
They may not touch thy garment's hem.

Since thou didst leave the vales below,
Where smooth, green paths for thee were made;
Since thou didst say thy feet should go
Up the great mountains, unafraid,
Make now thy words of boasting good,
Unto the void thy terrors toss;
Vex not thy chosen solitude
With words of loneliness and loss.