The Battle of Life

Up! and arm for life’s struggle,
We shall conquer in the fight,
If we arm us for the battle
With the weapons Truth and Right;
Though the world’s arrayed against us,
We will shrink not from the strife,
For invincible is duty
On the battlefield of life.

In the vanguard of the battle
Foremost comes our foeman Sin,
Like a giant in his prowess,
With an aspect stern and grim.
But, though mighty in his power
We’ll preserve a dauntless air,
And we’ll fight this dreaded foeman
‘Neath the sturdy shield of prayer.

Next is Poverty approaching,
Weapons sure and sharp she wears,
And she’s backed by thronging thousands –
By a countless host of cares.
Still, this terrible invader
We’ll repel with robust health,
And with energy and labour
Soon we’ll win the ally Wealth.

Every step is fraught with struggle,
Cares full armed our path oppose;
Hopes are falling fast around us;
Wounded are we, too, by woes.
Yet our courage must not falter,
We must fight Care hand to hand;
Other hopes will soon support us
If we firmly take our stand.

In the sorried ranks of batte,
With the flag of Right unfurled,
Let our well-tried virtues make us
Victors ever in the world.
Noble to the things we fight for!
Glorious be the deeds we do!
Foeman to the false and evil,
Champions of the good and true!

Fight we as God’s soldiers bravely,
Let us conquor by his might;
His Almighty arms shall aid us
Ever in the cause of right,
Fight on to life’s last moments,
Faith at last shall conquer death:
Dying – still we’ll shout in triumph,
‘Victory’ with our last drawn breath.

Onward, then, to dare the struggle,
Though we fall upon the field;
Better be struck down in battle,
Than like cowards tamely yield.
Shrink not from the stern encounter,
Duty ever strength supplies;
And from every fall we meet with,
Anteus-like, we’ll stronger rise.