THE PURPOSE

Over and over the task was set,

Over and over I slighted the work,

But ever and alway I knew that yet

I must face and finish the toil I shirk.

Over and over the whip of pain

Has spurred and punished with blow on blow;

As ever and alway I tried in vain

To shun the labour I hated so.

Over and over I came this way

For just one purpose: O stubborn soul!

Turn with a will to your work to-day,

And learn the lesson of SELF-CONTROL.