The Men for the Times

The Men for the Times

Give us the nerves of steel,

And the arm of fearless might,

And the strength of will that is ready still

To battle for the right.

Give us the eye to weep

That honest tear of feeling,

That shuts not down for the world's dread frown,

The genuine heart revealing.

Give us the mind to feel

The sufferings of another,

And fearless power in the dying hour,

To help a suffering brother.

Give us the clear, cool brain,

That is never aslep or dozing,

But springing ever, with bold endeavor,

Wakes the world from its prosing.

Ah, give us the nerve of steel,

And the hand of fearless might,

And the heart that can love and feel,

And the head that is always right.

For the foeman is now abroad,

And the earth is filled with crimes;

Let it be our prayer to God,

Oh! give us the men for the times.

Unattributed

1:35, p. 1

3.17.1860