Poems (Procter)/Now

by Adelaide Anne Procter

NOW.

ISE! for the day is passing, And you lie dreaming onThe others have buckled their armor, And forth to the fight are gone:A place in the ranks awaits you, Each man has some part to play;The Past and the Future are nothing, In the face of the stern To-day.

Rise from your dreams of the Future,— Of gaining some hard-fought field;Of storming some airy fortress, Or bidding some giant yield;Your Future has deeds of glory, Of honor (God grant it may!)But your arm will never be stronger, Or the need so great as To-day.

Rise! if the Past detains you, Her sunshine and storms forget;No chains so unworthy to hold you As those of a vain regret;Sad or bright, she is lifeless ever; Cast her phantom arms away,Nor look back, save to learn the lesson Of a nobler strife To-day.

Rise! for the day is passing; The sound that you scarcely hearIs the enemy marching to battle: Arise! for the foe is here!Stay not to sharpen your weapons, Or the hour will strike at last,When, from dreams of a coming battle, You may wake to find it past!