Part 2 — SELECTION XXI
Reading edition
HUMAN PROGRESS
All is action, all is motion, In this mighty world of ours; Like the current of the ocean, Man is urged by unseen powers.
Steadily, but strongly moving, Life is onward evermore; Still the present is improving On the age that went before.
Duty points with outstretched fingers, Every soul to action high; Woe betide the soul that lingers— Onward! onward! is the cry.
Though man's form may seem victorious, War may waste and famine blight, Still from out the conflict glorious, Mind comes forth with added light.
O'er the darkest night of sorrow, From the deadliest field of strife, Dawns a clearer, brighter morrow, Springs a truer, nobler life.
Onward! onward! onward, ever! Human progress none may stay; All who make the vain endeavor Shall, like chaff, be swept away.
J. Hagan.