Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.
By Joseph B.Gilder1740 The Parting of the Ways
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With all of Nature’s gifts endowed,
With all of Heaven’s mercies blessed,
Nor of thy power unduly proud—
Peerless in courage, force, and skill,
And godlike in thy strength of will,—
One path leads up to heights sublime;
Downward the other slopes, where bide
The refuse and the wrecks of Time.
Choose then, nor falter at the start,
O choose the nobler path and part!
Of the unfriended, thou the friend;
No guerdon for thy valor seek,
No end beyond the avowêd end.
Wouldst thou thy godlike power preserve,
Be godlike in the will to serve!