The Brave

IT is not the desert lonely, Nor at the mast-head o'er the wave, Nor with the climbing fire ascending Imperiled life to save, Nor on the battlefield, that only Are found the brave!

Ah, no! Unmarked, pain's passion-flowers, Through nights intolerably deep, They bind in silence; mutely praying— Enduring, not to keep Their watchers wearying through the hours— But let them sleep.

Through all the winter chill, ere morning, O'er many a frozen trail, I wis, Fighting their course, that waiting children Life's nurture may not miss— Against the blast they journey, scorning As bitter kiss.

From light-towers sending forth at even New hope, in place of old despair, Toiling in mines, in factories toiling— But, ah! why seek, why care To name them o'er? The brave, thank Heaven! Are everywhere!