  Men, for the sake of those they loved, Have met death unafraid, Deeming by safety of their friends Their life’s loss well repaid. Men have attained, by dauntless toil, To purpose pure and high, The darkness of their rugged ways Lit by a loved one’s eye. Heroes were they, yet God to them Gave not the task most hard, For sweet it is to live or die When love is our reward. The bravest soul that ever lived Is he, unloved, unknown, Who has chosen to walk life’s highest path, Though he must walk alone; Who has toiled with sure and steadfast hands Through all his lonely days, Unhelped by Love’s sweet services, Uncheered by Love’s sweet praise; Who, by no earthly honors crowned, Kinglike has lived and died, Giving his best to life, though life To him her best denied. |
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