Russell Lowell (18th century)

Once to Every Soul and Nation

Once to eve’-ry soul and nation
comes the moment to decide,
in the strife of truth with false-hood,
for the good or evil side:

New occasions teach new duties,
Ancient values test our youth;
They must upward be and onward
Who would keep abreast of truth.

then to stand with truth is noble,
when we share its wretch-ed crust;
ere that cause bring fame and profit,
and ’tis prosperous to be just.

Though the cause of evil prosper,
yet truth alone is strong;
though its portion be the scaffold,
and upon the throne be wrong.

Then it is the brave one chooses,
while the coward stands a side,
When the multitude make virtue
of the faith they have denied.

-James Russell Lowell (1819-1891)