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The Dream of Ambition
By MRS. ELIZABETH MARKHAM
The dream of ambition! Ye sloth, hear the sound,Cease digging in darkness like moles in the ground!Break off those strong fetters! lift up your dull eye;And learn ye this lesson, the sun shines on high.
No longer go creeping like snails on the ground;Preferment by sluggards has never been found.The dream of ambition, young man, hear the call,Nor suffer intemperance your souls to enthrall.
Be wise, shun the viper, it wounds you, it kills—The poisonous infection produced by the still.Disdain such pollution, stand firm on your guard!In life a high station, in death a reward!
Washington and Franklin, have you read of their names?How they arose from obscurity to a pinnacle of fame,Till their fame does resound upon sea as on shore?At the name of our Washington how the cannons do roar.
