I said unto my heart: take courage, friend!
No hurt can hurt thee save thyself alone:
Thy only brother’s breast may change to stone,
Thy soul’s companion turn, thy core to rend;
Earth’s utmost space no cheering word may send,
But only Darkness make a bitter moan
Till naught, save Death, may seem to be thine own,
Naught left for thee to love—naught to defend.
Yet, O my heart! fear not thy challenger
Nor quail to meet the blackest packs of Night,
Whether on flowery mead or rocky hill:
Rouse thou my blood and bid my pulses stir
To match the Lilliputians’ sapless might
With the steel armor of the unconquered Will!