LET NO MAN TAKE THY CROWN.
By Frances E. Bolton
Droop not to die with sorrow,
Bear up to meet the morrow.
Because the battle's hot,
Pouring of shell and shot,
Proves there's a vantage-ground,
A victory just beyond.
Press through, press up, press on,
Let no man take thy crown. Faint not that to thy heart
Presses the tempter's dart,
That all the atmosphere
Is filled with smoke. Have cheer;
Pray, wrestle, hold, and smile;
Stand through the rage of trial.
The storm will yet pass on;
Let no one take thy crown. Fail not tho others fail,
Plow on like ship in gale,
Keep to thy course, tho pain
Hold thee with heart astrain.
Furl to the breeze thy flag,
Sail on while others lag,
And God will cheer thee on;
Let no one take thy crown. Loveless, then love the more;
Homeless, seek out the poor;
Let faith grow stronger up,
To drink the bitter cup.
For health of soul 'tis given
By a compassionate Heaven;
Take heart, and travel on;
Let no one take thy crown. O crown of life!—life's crown,
Who dares to lay thee down?
What churlish soul 'twould be,
Who, seeing, would miss thee!
Christlikeness, manhood, glory,
The flash of power before thee!
By grace of the conquering One,
Let no one take thy crown. O crown of life!—pure spirit,
Beauty the true inherit,
Tried gold, white robe, clean hand,
Great heart 'mid men to stand.
Largeness of love is given
To give again to seven.
So winning stars, go on,
Let no one take thy crown.