Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Labor Day/Toils Grandeur

by James Polwarth Broomfield

TOIL’S GRANDEUR.

JAMES P. BROOMFIELD.

Toil and the arm grows strong,
 Sluggards are ever weak;
Toll and the earth gives forth
 Riches to those that seek.
Toil and the eye grows keen,
 Sure is the woodman’s stroke;
 With skill the craftsman molds
 Wonders from steel and rock.
   Not from the idler’s dream
   Flows yonder miller’s stream,
   Nor from the braggart’s boast
   Gleams yonder guarded coast.

Toil and the heart grows light,
 Trembles the earth with song.
Flowing in thrilling notes,
 From the vast toiling throng.
Up from the plains of waste.
 Cities triumphant loom;
Where the fierce panther crouched,
 Gardens of beauty bloom.
   Not from the striker’s moan
   Have our great wastes been sown,
   Nor from the coward’s gun
   Did the fierce savage run.

Toil and the mind grows clear,
 To the great work of God;
Flow’rs of contentment spring,
 Bright’ning our earthen road;
Dearer becomes the land
 That we so proudly till,
Stouter our bulwarks loom,
 Daring invading skill.
   Not in the lawless hind,
   Can we a patriot find,
   Nor with the godless band.
   Dare we intrust our land.

   Ever a nation’s boast,—
   Bulwarks around her coast.
   Ever a country’s gain,—
   Toilers with hands or brain.