Be Faithful

Be faithful soldiers, fearing not,
What traitors may disclose;
There is a purpose in our lot
More powerful than foes.

If we could once peruse life’s page,
[A blurred and blotted scroll,]
The failures would our thought engage
Though fled beyond control.

If we could once life’s page peruse,
Each loss returned, a gain,
Would give such wisdom as accrues
From knowledge, bought of pain.

We never know what we can do;
The problems none attempt
Now lying open to our view,
Have meanings little dreamt.

We gird our armor on to meet
The enemy’s advance;
But in the frenzy of retreat,
Too often yield to chance,

Stand ready; boldly face the front;
Press on and on: prevail.
Be brave to bear the battle’s brunt;
The hero cannot fail.