The Poetry Corner

A Challenge.

By Walter R. Cassels

What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! My heart is true as steel, Steady still in woe and weal, Strong to bear, though quick to feel-- Take my hand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! Only my own ease seek I, I am deaf to Pity's cry, If men hunger, let them die-- Traitor! stand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! I've a kiss for maiden fair, I've a blow for who may dare, I've a song to banish care-- Take my hand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! I'm your servant whilst you're great, As you sink, my cares abate, When you're poor you have my hate,-- Traitor! stand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! If you trust me, I'll be true, If you slight me, I'll slight you, If you wrong me, you shall rue-- Take my hand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! I can work with any tools-- Clothe myself by stripping fools-- Bend the knee whoever rules-- Traitor! stand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! I've a heart that hates all wrong, Aids the weak against the strong, Loves the Truth, and seeks it long-- Take my hand! What art thou--friend or foe? Stand! stand! I forgive no woman's sin, Hunt her with self-righteous mien, Never take her, mourning, in From the desert of her sin-- Traitor! stand! What art thou--friend or foe! Stand! stand! I've a heart that melts at sorrow, I've a store the poor may borrow I'm the same to-day, to-morrow-- Take my hand!