Classic Poem

" I WILL be strong! " I said; alas!
That one weak moment should belie
The brave resolve, the purpose high —
" I will be strong " — but let it pass.

Ah, me, that life should have such dower,
Such fearful scope for good or ill;
And that we choose the evil still,
And falter in temptation's hour!

Oh, traitor heart, thrice recreant thou!
Again I cry, I will be strong —
Will yet be greater than the wrong —
Will yet achieve my life-time vow!

Bury my weakness, oh, ye crowd
Of faithful witnesses, who stand,
Around my soul on every hand,
And tell the failure not aloud.

For I shall conquer! All begun,
The conflict rages through my life;
Yet I shall conquer in the strife,
And sing at last, a victory won!