"Is it safe? Is it safe?" hear the timid cry!
"Who will tell me what to do?
Is it well to wait, is it safe to try?
[] me, if I only knew!"
Alas, said I, come tell me pray,
What foolish man is this
The laughing echoes seemed to say
"His name is COWARDLY."

"Will it pay, will it pay? came a frenzied yell
From a surging, scowling crowd;
From the men of church and state as well.
In sorrow, my head I bowed
Can man, immortal man, thought I
So low and selfish be?
Their gilded motto streamed on high,]
I read it - POLICY.

"Will it please, will it please? 'twas a soulless sound
Floating on the perfumed air;
And again I sighed as I looked 'round.
Only captives of fashion there,
"What ho?" I cried "and whither now?
Whose worshipers are ye?"
Before their queen I saw them bow:
'Twas cruel VANITY.

"Is it right? is it right?" 'twas a singing tone,
And the jostling crowd stood still;
For the voice wsa clear tho' it rose alone.
[] spake with a heavenly thrill.
"Joy, joy, sweet angel voice," I cried,
"Dwell, ever dwell with me!"
"'Tis thine to choose," the voice replied,
"My hane is HONESTY."