Ella Wheeler Wilcox

An Inspiration

However the battle is ended,
    Though proudly the victor comes
With fluttering flags and prancing nags
    And echoing roll of drums,
Still truth proclaims this motto
    In letters of living light,--
No question is ever settled
    Until it is settled right.

Though the heel of the strong oppressor
    May grind the weak in the dust,
And the voices of fame with one acclaim
    May call him great and just,
Let those who applaud take warning,
    And keep this motto in sight,--
No question is ever settled
    Until it is settled right.

Let those who have failed take courage;
    Tho' the enemy seems to have won,
Tho' his ranks are strong, if he be in the wrong
    The battle is not yet done;
For, sure as the morning follows
    The darkest hour of the night,
No question is ever settled
    Until it is settled right.

O man bowed down with labor!
    O woman young, yet old!
O heart oppressed in the toiler's breast
    And crushed by the power of gold!
Keep on with your weary battle
    Against triumphant might;
No question is ever settled
    Until it is settled right.