WE cannot all be heroes
And thrill a hemisphere
With some great daring venture,
Some deed that mocks at fear;
But we can fill a life-time
With kindly acts and true:
There's always noble service
For noble souls to do.
We cannot all be preachers
And sway with voice and pen,
As strong winds sway the forest,
The minds, and hearts of men,
But we can be evangels
To souls within our reach:
There's always love's own gospel
For loving hearts to teach.
We cannot all be martyrs
And win a deathless name,
By some divine baptism,
Some ministry of flame;
But we can live for Christ's sake,
Can do for Him, and dare:
There's always faithful witness
For faithful lives to bear.