Duty

DUTY. SELECTED. There's a pathway through life with a stern-sounding name, And some tread it bravely to honor and fame, And some tread it bravely wherever it goes. Unmindful of thorns, in the hope of a rose. And sometimes this path through the wilderness leads. Where the foot of the wayfarer winces and bleeds. And sometimes it climbs to the summits of snow. While sunshine lies warm in the valleys below. But this thing is certain—who follows the track That Duty has marked for him, ne'er looking back, Who takes to it, sticks to it, sunshine or shade, Shall never regret him the choice he has made. For, though it be stony and though it be steep, It groweth a flower whoso findeth may keep. And all who along it will faithfully wend. Shall light on this flower ere they come to the end. Its name is True Happiness; blest is the lot Of him who fares on till he comes to the spot Where, blushing, it greets him; his effort is crowned With a flower that shall bloom for him all the year round.