I hold that all mankind can be Made happy if they will, That Evil's a monstrosity Which Love and Truth can kill; That Kindness, as a law of life, Will make our joys increase; That Death is but a truce to strife Before a lasting peace. Although our lives imperfect be, They can be perfect made, And glorified Humanity In all our works displayed. A noble thing to nobler leads, The great succeeds the small, To glorious thoughts, and words, and deeds, We all are heirs of all. All things the good and wise have taught Through ages dark and long— The victories for which they fought— To us by right belong. We are the heirs of God-like sires— The children of the Sun— Who in our souls retain the fires That once Prometheus won. From day to day, from year to year, 'Tis ours to think and do; To know no creed that teaches fear, But only seek the true. To be at peace with all mankind, Do good whene'er we can, And with a common blessing bind The brotherhood of man. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DOMESTIC SONG by DAVID IGNATOW MERELY STATEMENT by AMY LOWELL TO DISRAELI ON CONSERVATISM by MARIANNE MOORE |