GIANT AND DWARF.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume VIII, Issue 231, 25 September 1873, Page 4

GIANT AND DWARF.

As on through life's journey we go day by day, There are two whom we meet each turn of the way, To help or to hinder, to bless or to ban— And the names of these two are, " I can't," and "lean." ," I can't'' is a dwarf, a poor, pale, puny imp, His eyes are half blind, and his walk is a limp; He stumbles and falls, or lies writhing with fear, Though danger is di tant, and succour is near. " I can" is a giant; unheeding he stands ; There is strength in his aim, and skill in his hands; He asks for no favours ; he wants but a share Where labour is honest, and wages are fair. " I can't is a sluggard, too lazy to work; From duty he shrinks, every task he will shirk; No bread on his board, and no meat in his bag; His house is a ruin, his coat is a rag, '* I can" is a worker; he tills the broad fields, And digs from the earth all the wealth which it yields; The hum of his spindles begins with the light, And the fires of his forges are blazing all night. '• I can't" is a coward, half fainting with fright; At the first thought of peril he sinks out of sight; Slinks and hides till the noise of the battle is past, Or sells his best friends, and turns traitor at last. " I can" is a hero, the first in the field; Though others may falttr, he never will yield; He makes the long marches, he strikes the last blow, His charge is the whirlwind that scatters the foe. How grandly and nobly he stands to his trust, When roused at the call of a cause that is just; He weds his strong will to the valour of youth, And writes on his banner the watchword ot Truth I Then up and be doing! the day is not long; Throw fear to the winds: be patient and strong 1 Stand fast in your place, act your part like a man. And, when duty calls, answer promptly " I can"!