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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 68

Work

Work.

Work! 'tis a noble and a manly word,
For Nature all around us works incessant.
Our mother earth, the vast and mighty ocean,
The stars, the planets, and the glorious sun,
All, all fulfil their mission: so must I .
Be mine to work while it is called today,
For fast the night of Death approaches,
Wherein no man may work. . . .
Hence, indolence! hence, sloth! hence, idleness!
Though not in halls of state, nor scenes of pomp
And glory lay my field of work and toil;
Though in some humble and forgotten place
My task I find and follow day by day,—
Still would I rather have the consciousness
That I have bravely done that duty next my hand.
Than aimed at great things and accomplished nought.
'Tis not the work we do, but how 'tis done,
That stamps with dignity our lot in life.

G. W. Russell,