REATNESS OF THE SOUL

Geologists tell us that in the long processes of the ages mountains have
been raised and leveled, continents formed and washed away. Astronomers
tell us that in space are countless worlds, many of them doubtless
inhabited--perhaps by creatures of a lower type than we, perhaps by
creatures of a higher. The magnitude of these changes and of these
worlds makes the imagination reel. But on one thing we can rely--the
greatness of the human soul. On one thing we can confidently build--the
men whose spirit is lofty, divine.

For tho' the Giant Ages heave the hill
And break the shore, and evermore
Make and break, and work their will;
Tho' world on world in myriad myriads roll
Round us, each with different powers,
And other forms of life than ours,
What know we greater than the soul?
On God and Godlike men we build our trust.

_Alfred Tennyson_.

HEINELET

What sheer perseverance can accomplish, even in matters of the heart, is
revealed in this little poem written in Heine's mood of mingled
seriousness and gayety.

He asked if she ever could love him.
She answered him, no, on the spot.
He asked if she ever could love him.
She assured him again she could not.

He asked if she ever could love him.
She laughed till his blushes he hid.
He asked if she ever could love him.
By God, she admitted she did.

_Gamaliel Bradford_.

From "Shadow Verses."

STAND FORTH!

The human spirit can triumph over difficulties, as flowers bloom along
the edge of the Alpine snow.

Stand forth, my soul, and grip thy woe,
Buckle the sword and face thy foe.
What right hast thou to be afraid
When all the universe will aid?
Ten thousand rally to thy name,
Horses and chariots of flame.
Do others fear? Do others fail?
_My soul must grapple and prevail_.
My soul must scale the mountainside
And with the conquering army ride--
Stand forth, my soul!

Stand forth, my soul, and take command.
'Tis I, thy master, bid thee stand.
Claim thou thy ground and thrust thy foe,
Plead not thine enemy should go.
Let others cringe! My soul is free,
No hostile host can conquer me.
There lives no circumstance so great
Can make me yield, or doubt my fate.
My soul must know what kings have known.
Must reach and claim its rightful throne--
Stand forth, my soul!

I ask no truce, I have no qualms,
I seek no quarter