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AN OPTIMIST
Where dangers threaten and evils harm,
Holding them still at bay?
"Is it the strength wherewith I shall climb
Where few before have trod—
To the mountain-tops, the peaks sublime
That glow in the smile of the god?
"Is it the never-failing will,
Invincible in might,
Which armed against oppression still
Shall vanquish for the right?
"Or is it the heart, thou aged man!—
The heart, impassioned, strong—
Which shall be blest, as naught else can,
In perfect love ere long?"
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