But ever in the wake of true achieving, There shines this glowing trail-- Some other soul will be spurred on, conceiving New strength and hope, in its own power believing, Because thou didst not fail. Not thine alone the glory, nor the sorrow, If thou dost miss the goal; Undreamed of lives in many a far to-morrow From thee their weakness or their force shall borrow-- On, on! ambitious soul. MORNING PRAYER Let me today do something that shall take A little sadness from the world's vast store, And may I be so favored as to make Of joy's too scanty sum a little more. Let me not hurt, by any selfish deed Or thoughtless word, the heart of foe or friend; Nor would I pass, unseeing, worthy need, Or sin by silence when I should defend. However meagre be my worldly wealth Let me give something that shall aid my kind, A word of courage, or a thought of help, Dropped as I pass for troubled hearts to find. Let me tonight look back across the span 'Twixt dawn and dark, and to my conscience say Because of some good act to beast or man-- "The world is better that I lived today." I AM I know not whence I came, I know not whither I go; But the fact stands clear that I am here In this world of pleasure and woe. And out of the mist and murk Another truth shines plain: It is my power each day and hour To add to its joy or its pain. I know that the earth exists, It is none of my business why; I cannot find out what it's all about, I would but waste time to try. My life is a brief, brief thing, I am here for a little space, And while I stay I should like, if I may, To brighten and better the place. The trouble, I think, with us all Is the lack of a high conceit. If each man thought he was sent to this spot To make it a bit more sweet, How soon we could gladden the world, How easily right all wrong, If nobody shirked, and each one worked To help his fellows along. Cease wondering why you came-- Stop looking for faults and flaws, Rise up today in your pride and say, "I am a part of the First Great Cause! However full the world, There is room for an earnest man. It had need of me or I would not be-- I am here to strengthen the plan." WHICH ARE YOU? There are two kinds of people on earth today; Just two kinds of people, no more, I say. Not the sinner and saint, for 'tis well understood, The good are half bad, and the bad are half good. Not the rich and the poor, for to rate a man's wealth, You must first know the state of his conscience and health. Not the humble and proud, for in life's little span, Who puts on vain airs, is not counted a man. Not the happy and sad, for the swift flying years Bring each man his laughter and each man his tears.