Classic Poem

Then smite, if thy foes are 'round thee,
And thou battlest for the right;
Though the laurel hath ne'er crowned thee,
Thou art victor if thou smite!
But not in thy dreams Elysian
Thou speedest the battle on,
Not in the sleeper's vision
Is the victory lost or won.

Each blow for the truth thou givest
Is a triumph in the war,
Each hour that thou truly livest
Thou art truly Conqueror.
Each night of thy sinless slumber.
That hails the setting sun,
Thy destiny shall number
As one brave victory won.