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C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.

Onward

By Emanuel Geibel (1815–1884)

Translation of Frances Hellman

CEASE thy dreaming! Cease thy quailing!

Wander on untiringly.

Though thy strength may all seem failing,

Onward! must thy watchword be.

Durst not tarry, though life’s roses

Round about thy footsteps throng,

Though the ocean’s depth discloses

Sirens with their witching song.

Onward! onward! ever calling

On thy Muse, in life’s stern fray,

Till thy fevered brow feels, falling

From above, a golden ray.

Till the verdant wreath victorious

Crown with soothing shade thy brow;

Till the spirit’s flames rise glorious

Over thee, with sacred glow.

Onward then, through hostile fire,

Onward through death’s agony!

Who to heaven would aspire

Must a valiant warrior be.