If you cannot on the ocean Sail among the swiftest fleet, Rocking on the highest billows, Laughing at the storms you meet; You can stand among the sailors, Anchored yet within the bay, You can lend a hand to help them As they launch their boats away.
If you are too weak to journey Up the mountain, steep and high, You can stand within the valley While the multitudes go by; You can chant in happy measure As they slowly pass along-- Though they may forget the singer, They will not forget the song.
If you cannot in the harvest Garner up the richest sheaves, Many a grain, both ripe and golden, Oft the careless reaper leaves; Go and glean among the briars Growing rank against the wall, For it may be that their shadow Hides the heaviest grain of all.
If you cannot in the conflict Prove yourself a soldier true; If, where fire and smoke are thickest, There's no work for you to do; When the battle field is silent, You can go with careful tread; You can bear away the wounded, You can cover up the dead.
Do not then stand idly waiting For some greater work to do; Fortune is a lazy goddess, She will never come to you; Go and toil in any vineyard, Do not fear to do and dare. If you want a field of labor You can find it anywhere. |
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