To Those Who Fail
Courage, brave heart, nor in thy purpose falter;
Go on and win the fight at any cost,
Though sick and weary after conflict,
Rejoice to know the battle is not lost.
The field is open still to those brave spirits
Who nobly struggle till the strife is done,
Through sun and storm with courage all undaunted
Working and waiting till the battle’s won.
The fairest pearls are found in deepest waters,
The brightest jewels in the darkest mine;
And through the very blackest hour of midnight
The star of Hope doth ever brightly shine.
Press on! press on! the path is steep and rugged,
The storm clouds almost hide Hope’s light from view;
But you can pass where other feet have trodden;
A few more steps may bring you safely through.
The battle o’er, a victor crowned with honors,
By patient toil each difficulty past,
You then may see these days of bitter failure
But spurred you on to greater deeds at last.
by Nellie Barlow: as published in Henry Davenport Northrop, compiler and editor: “New Popular Speaker and Writer: Being a Choice Treasury of New and Popular Recitations, Readings, Dialogues, Original and Adapted Comedies, Tableaux, Etc., Comprising the Best Selections from the Most Celebrated Authors and Composers Including Descriptive, Dramatic, Pathetic, Humorous Recitals and Readings with Music, for Schools, Lodges, Public Entertainments, Anniversaries, Sunday-Schools, Etc, Etc.” (1900)
Courage, brave heart, nor in thy purpose falter;
Go on and win the fight at any cost,
Though sick and weary after conflict,
Rejoice to know the battle is not lost.
The field is open still to those brave spirits
Who nobly struggle till the strife is done,
Through sun and storm with courage all undaunted
Working and waiting till the battle’s won.
The fairest pearls are found in deepest waters,
The brightest jewels in the darkest mine;
And through the very blackest hour of midnight
The star of Hope doth ever brightly shine.
Press on! press on! the path is steep and rugged,
The storm clouds almost hide Hope’s light from view;
But you can pass where other feet have trodden;
A few more steps may bring you safely through.
The battle o’er, a victor crowned with honors,
By patient toil each difficulty past,
You then may see these days of bitter failure
But spurred you on to greater deeds at last.
by Nellie Barlow: as published in Henry Davenport Northrop, compiler and editor: “New Popular Speaker and Writer: Being a Choice Treasury of New and Popular Recitations, Readings, Dialogues, Original and Adapted Comedies, Tableaux, Etc., Comprising the Best Selections from the Most Celebrated Authors and Composers Including Descriptive, Dramatic, Pathetic, Humorous Recitals and Readings with Music, for Schools, Lodges, Public Entertainments, Anniversaries, Sunday-Schools, Etc, Etc.” (1900)
