Life, you have bruised me and chilled me; Fate, you have
jeered at my pain;
Dreams, you have mocked while you thrilled me--so I turn
to the battle again.
Love, you have blessed me and led me; the lips that have
kissed you, you smite;
Hope, you have urged me and fled me--but left is the joy
of the fight!
Never was I a coward! Now must I prove my worth.
World, I will give you my courage; not tears but a
hard-bought mirth.
Work of my hands I grant you, labor and toil of brain,
But heart and soul shall be wanting--for they are dead of pain!
Forward! A fight to the death, then! Life is a sorry jest.
Ahead! To the thick of tumult! Fate is a fool at the best.
Courage! The war gods are greatest! Love is a false, fair light.
To arms! For Dreams are frail bubbles, and Hope but a
song in the night.
World, I cast down the gauntlet, for you were made to defy!
Own me a foe for your mettle! Ah, fighting let me die!
Love, Hope and Dreams I give you; Life I fling at your feet;
I will drink to the dregs of the bitter--for once I had tasted of sweet!
Of one last taunt I shall rob you; stern, I will claim my due;
One recompense you shall give me, balm I will snatch from you.
’Tis neither Fame nor Glory--toys to break and regret;
_I demand to conquer Memory! I demand that I--forget._
_The Smart Set_ _Faith Baldwin_