C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
Onward
By Emanuel Geibel (1815–1884)
Translation of Frances Hellman
C
Wander on untiringly.
Though thy strength may all seem failing,
Onward! must thy watchword be.
Round about thy footsteps throng,
Though the ocean’s depth discloses
Sirens with their witching song.
On thy Muse, in life’s stern fray,
Till thy fevered brow feels, falling
From above, a golden ray.
Crown with soothing shade thy brow;
Till the spirit’s flames rise glorious
Over thee, with sacred glow.
Onward through death’s agony!
Who to heaven would aspire
Must a valiant warrior be.