Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By Sarah KnowlesBolton

887 The Inevitable

I LIKE the man who faces what he must

With step triumphant and a heart of cheer;

Who fights the daily battle without fear;

Sees his hopes fail, yet keeps unfaltering trust

That God is God,—that somehow, true and just

His plans work out for mortals; not a tear

Is shed when fortune, which the world holds dear,

Falls from his grasp—better, with love, a crust

Than living in dishonor; envies not,

Nor loses faith in man; but does his best,

Nor ever murmurs at his humbler lot;

But, with a smile and words of hope, gives zest

To every toiler. He alone is great

Who by a life heroic conquers fate.