Skip to content
1826–1907

A CHALLENGE.

Walter Richard Cassels

What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand! My heart is true as steel, Steady still in woe and weal,

Strong to bear, though quick to feel — Take my hand! What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand!

Only my own ease seek I, I am deaf to Pity's cry, If men hunger, let them die — Traitor! stand!

What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand! I've a kiss for maiden fair, I've a blow for who may dare,

I've a song to banish care — Take my hand! What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand!

I'm your servant whilst you're great, As you sink, my cares abate, When you're poor you have my hate,— Traitor! stand!

What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand! If you trust me, I'll be true, If you slight me, I'll slight you,

If you wrong me, you shall rue — Take my hand! What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand!

I can work with any tools — Clothe myself by stripping fools — Bend the knee whoever rules — Traitor! stand!

What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand! I've a heart that hates all wrong, Aids the weak against the strong,

Loves the Truth, and seeks it long — Take my hand! What art thou — friend or foe? Stand! stand!

I forgive no woman's sin, Hunt her with self-righteous mien, Never take her, mourning, in From the desert of her sin —

Traitor! stand! What art thou — friend or foe! Stand! stand! I've a heart that melts at sorrow,

I've a store the poor may borrow I'm the same to-day, to-morrow — Take my hand!

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
A CHALLENGE. · Walter Richard Cassels · Poetry Cove