Nothing to do: a tilt at our best society Page 2

  They stood not aloof from the battle of Life,

  But, placing themselves in the van of the strife,

  Marching manfully forward with banner unfurled,

  Left their deeds and their names a bequest to the world.

  Have you ever (forgive me the bold impropriety)

  Reckoned up your outstanding account with society,

  Or considered how far, should your life close to-morrow,

  You would merit her real and genuine sorrow?

  If, in dying, the world be no wiser or better

  For your having lived there, then you are her debtor;

  And if, as Faith, Reason, and Scripture, all show,

  God rewards us in heaven for the good done below,

  I pray you take heed, idle worldling, lest you

  With that better world should have nothing to do!