Labor Poem by Benjamin Cutler Clark

Occupy some worthy place,
Care not if it soil;
Honest labor's no disgrace;
Man was made to toil.

Therefore, labor ever on—
Have an end in view,
Though you may be look'd upon
By an idle crew.

Labor with the head or hand,
With the heart or pen;
Labor, and you'll understand
How to do, and when!

Labor, and make no complaint
That the time is long;
Work in earnest,—never faint
Till the weak be strong.

Labor! zealous, calm, secure!
Aim at something high.
Hope and labor till you're sure
Your reward is nigh.

Labor while the day is long,
Lest the night be near.
Battle manfully with wrong,
Till the right appear.