A SONNET OF HOPE.
Reading edition
I said unto my heart: take courage, friend! No hurt can hurt thee save thyself alone: Thy only brother’s breast may change to stone, Thy soul’s companion turn, thy core to rend; Earth’s utmost space no cheering word may send, But only Darkness make a bitter moan Till naught, save Death, may seem to be thine own, Naught left for thee to love—naught to defend. Yet, O my heart! fear not thy challenger Nor quail to meet the blackest packs of Night, Whether on flowery mead or rocky hill: Rouse thou my blood and bid my pulses stir To match the Lilliputians’ sapless might With the steel armor of the unconquered Will! John Jerome Rooney.
