And so I take mine onward path, alone,
And yet not quite alone if God decree;
The way my Lord hath trod shall be mine own,
And so my strength shall be!
What though it lead through tangled brake and brier,
And sharpest stones shall pierce my wounded feet?
Unto that height if my faint soul aspire
These words mine ear might greet:—
“If thou but follow Me through toil and pain,
If thou but take thy cross and follow Me,
I will reward thee, when I come again,
For all Eternity.
“But if thou wilt not bear thy cross with Me
Thou canst not hope to win the victor's prize;
No martyr's crown, no saint's green palm shall be
Thy share in Paradise!”
And so I fain would take mine onward way
In humble imitation of my Lord.
This hope to be bear me in it day by day,—
His never-failing word!