A CHALLENGE.

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!