BACKBONE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2298, 29 July 1880, Page 3

BACKBONE.

When you sec a fellow mortal Without fixed and fearless views, Hanging on the skirts ot others, Walking in their cast-oil' shoes, Bowing low to wealth and favour, With abject, uncovered head. Heady to retract or waver; Willing to be turn’d or led, Walk 3'oursclf with firmer bearing; Throw y r our moral shoulders back; Show your spine has nerve and marrow Just the things which his must lack. A stronger word Was never heard Than this—Backbone. When you see a theologian Hugging close some ugly creed, Fearing to reject or question Dogmas which his priest may read; Holding back all noble feeling; Choking down each manly view; Caring more for forms and symbols; Than to know the Good and True ; Walk yourself with firmer bearing; Throw } r our moral shoulders back Show your spine has nerve and marrow Just the things -which his must lack. A stronger word Was never heard Than tnis—Backbone. When you see a politician Crawling through contracted holes, Begging for some fat position, In the House or at the polls; With no sterling manhood in him; Nothing stable, broad, or sound; Destitute of pluck or ballast; Double-sided all around! Walk yourself with firmer bearing; Throw your moral shoulders back; Show 3 r out spine has nerve and marrow Just the things which his must lack, A stronger word Was never heard Than this—Backbone A modest song, and plainly told — The text is worth a mine of gold; For many men most sadly lack A noble stiffness in the back. A smart American girl calls a young fellow of her acquaintance “ Honeysuckle,” because he is always hanging over the front fence.