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Show A NATION'S STRENGTH. What builds a nation's pillars high And Ita foundations strong? What makes It mighty to defy The foes that round It throng? 4 It Is not gold.' Its kingdoms grand Go down In battle's shock; . Its shafts are laid on sinking sand. Not on abiding rock. Is It the sword? Ask the red dust Of empires passed away; The blood has turned their stones to rust. Their glory to decay. And Is it pride? Ah! that bright crown ' Has seemed to nations sweet; But God has struck Its luster down In ashes at his feet. Not gold, but only man. can make A people great and strong; Men who. for truth and honor's sake, Stand fast and suffer long. Brave men who work while others sleep, Who dare while others fly They build a natlon'a pillars deep And lift. them to the sky. Emerson. -' |