Nothing to do: a tilt at our best society

by Horatio Alger

  They stood not aloof from the battle of Life,

  But, placing themselves in the van of the strife,

  Marching manfully forward with banner unfurled,

  Left their deeds and their names a bequest to the world.

  Have you ever (forgive me the bold impropriety)

  Reckoned up your outstanding account with society,

  Or considered how far, should your life close to-morrow,

  You would merit her real and genuine sorrow?

  If, in dying, the world be no wiser or better

  For your having lived there, then you are her debtor;

  And if, as Faith, Reason, and Scripture, all show,

  God rewards us in heaven for the good done below,

  I pray you take heed, idle worldling, lest you

  With that better world should have nothing to do!