"Stand Like An Anvil"

"Stand Like An Anvil"

"Stand like an anvil!" when the strokes

Of stalwart strength fall fierce and fast;

Storms but more deeply root the oaks,

Whose brawny arms embrace the blast.

"Stand like an anvil!" when the sparks

Fly far and wide, a fiery shower;

Virtue and truth must still be marks

Where malice proves its want of power.

"Stand like an anvil!" when the bar

Lies red and glowing on its breast;

Duty shall be life's leading star,

And conscious innocences its rest.

"Stand like an anvil!" when the sound

Of ponderous hammers pains the ear;

Thine be the still and stern rebound

Of the great heart that can not fear.

"Stand like an anvil!" noises and heat

Are born of earth and die with time;

The soul, like God, its source and heat,

Is solemn, still, serene, sublime.

BISHOP DOANE

Bishop Doane

1:19, p. 4

12.7.1861