Poem by James Russell Lowell

* * *

  Why should we ever weary of this life?
  Our souls should widen ever, not contract,
  Grow stronger, and not harder, in the strife,
  Filling each moment with a noble act;
  If we live thus, of vigor all compact,
  Doing our duty to our fellow-men,
  And striving rather to exalt our race
  Than our poor selves, with earnest hand or pen
  We shall erect our names a dwelling-place
  Which not all ages shall cast down agen;
  Offspring of Time shall then be born each hour,
  Which, as of old, earth lovingly shall guard,
  To live forever in youth's perfect flower,
  And guide her future children Heavenward.

1. Fancies about a Rosebud, Pressed in an Old Copy of Spenser
2. So May It Be, But Let It Not Be So
3. The Church
4. Song (All things are sad)
5. O Child of Nature!

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