NOW by Adelaide Ann Proctor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 4, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 27.

NOW.

By Adelaide Ann Proctor

RISE; for the day is passing, And you lie dreaming on; The others have buckled their armor, And forth to the fight have gone. A place in the ranks awaits you; Each man has some part to play; The past and the future are nothing In the face of the stern to-day.

Rise from your dreams of the future— Of gaining some hard-fought field; Of storming some airy fortress, Or bidding some giant yield; Your future has deeds of glory, Of honor (God grant it may), But your arm will never be stronger, Or the need so great as to-day.

Rise; if the past detains you, Her sunshine and storms forget; No chains so unworthy to hold you As those of a vain regret. Sad or bright, she is lifeless ever; Cast her phantom arms away, Nor look back, save to learn the lesson Of a nobler strife to-day.

Rise; for the day is passing; The sound that you scarcely hear Is the enemy marching to battle— Arise; for the foe is here. Stay not to sharpen your weapons, Or the hour will strike at last, When, from dreams of a coming battle, You may wake to find it past. —Adelaide Ann Proctor.