Poems (Angier)/Counsels

by Annie Lanman Angier

COUNSELS.

Be wise, my head, the past hath shownThe Father safely leads his ownUp rugged steep, through thorny vale;Though eye grow dim and cheek turn pale,Let not a doubt His love assail.Be wise, my head, the past hath shownThe Father safely leads His own—      Be wise, my head.

Be strong, my heart, and bravely bearThy Heaven-appointed load of care;How pure the bliss the angels know,To sigh not but for others' woe,Thus live and feel their peace below.Be strong, my heart, and bravely bearThy Heaven-appointed load of care—      Be strong, my heart.

Be calm, my pulse, now cool and slowShould be thy crimson current's flow,Nor sadly beat, nor wildly thrillIn grief or joy, at good or ill;Each hath its mission to fulfil; Be calm, my pulse, now cool and slowShould be thy crimson current's flow—      Be calm, my pulse.

Be glad, my soul, on Time's fleet wingThou'rt nearing an eternal spring,When Hope's fair buds shall know no blight,And sunniest day need fear no night,And Wrong no more shall conquer RightBe wise, be strong, be calm, be glad,Stand for life's conflict armor-clad.      Be wise, be strong.