Poems (Stephens)/Compensation
For works with similar titles, see Compensation.
COMPENSATION.
There's many a wreath for the conqueror bold
Who widens his country's domain,
Though every rood was bought dearly with blood,
And mothers are mourning the slain.
Who widens his country's domain,
Though every rood was bought dearly with blood,
And mothers are mourning the slain.
There's chapters and songs for the fortunate ones
Who win in the struggle for fame,
They give to our souls the sweet treasures of thought
And justly a tribute can claim,
Who win in the struggle for fame,
They give to our souls the sweet treasures of thought
And justly a tribute can claim,
We've praises for beauty, we marvel at wit,
Though both are so transient and vain,
The wealthy are flattered, and everywhere
The mirthful are welcome again.
Though both are so transient and vain,
The wealthy are flattered, and everywhere
The mirthful are welcome again.
But Where's the reward of that noblest of work,
The everyday work of life.
The humblest of duties must needs be fulfilled
And peace make entreaty of strife.
The everyday work of life.
The humblest of duties must needs be fulfilled
And peace make entreaty of strife.
Ah foolish are we that we dally with pride
When little attention is given,
To virtues that make the great comfort of life
And seek no reward but in Heaven.
When little attention is given,
To virtues that make the great comfort of life
And seek no reward but in Heaven.