A Psalm of Life
A Psalm of Life
D.W.Longfellow
Tell me not,in mournful numbers
"Life is but an empty dream!"
for the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
"Dust thou out,to dust returnest,"
Was not the spoken of the soul.
Not Enjoyment,and not sorrow
Is our destined end or way;
But to act,that each to-morrow
Finds us father than to-day.
Art is long,and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts,though stout and brave
Still,like muffled drums,are breating
Funeral marches to the grave
In the world's broad field of battle,
In the bivouac of Life
Be not like dumb,driven cattle!
Be a hero in the strife!