W. D. Smite
"I Would if I Could."
WOULD if I could," though much it's in use Is but a mistaken and sluggish excuse; And many a person who could if he would, Is often heard saying, "I would if I could."
PAUMA "JUST FORTY-EIGHT POUNDS.” (443) "Come, John," said a school-boy, "now do not And the troops march steadily on, my boy, refuse- Come, solve me this problem; you can if you choose." But John at that moment was not in the mood, And yawningly answered, "I would if I could."
At the door of a mansion a child, thinly clad, While the cold wind blew fiercely, was begging for bread; A rich man passed by her as trembling she stood, And answered her coldly, "I would if I could."
The scholar receiving his teacher's advice, The swearer admonished to quit such a vice, The child when requested to try and be good, Oft give the same answer, "I would if I could."
But if we may credit what good people say, That where there's a will, there is always a way; And whatever ought to be, can be, and should- We never need utter, "I would if I could."
Do Your Duty.
O your duty, little man.
D° That's the way!
G There's some duty in the plan Of every day.
Every day has some new task For your hand; Do it bravely-that's the way Life grows grand. "Do your duty," sing the stars, That so bright Through the midnight's dusky bars Shed their light. "Do your duty," says the sun, High in heaven ; To the dutiful, when tasks are done, Crowns are given :
Crowns of power and crowns of fame, Crowns of life:
In glory burns the victor's name After strife.
Do your duty, never swerve- Smooth or rough- Until God, whom we all serve, Says, "Enough."