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102

OPPORTUNITY.

Hast thou been driven to the wall?—
Sound once again thy battle-call.
Thou knowest not what store of strength
Determination yields at length;
When all the outer forces fail
Sheer inner courage may prevail.

Art thou from service set aside—
Thy cherished hope and work denied?
The greatest task of all may be
To show steadfast serenity.
Not all is lost while we may make
One comrade stronger for our sake.

Doth age creep over thee apace?
Set smiling to the dark thy face,
And make the flame of thy soul's light
Burn as a beacon in the night,
That those who follow thee may show
Like fortitude, and fearless go.