| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 887. The Inevitable |
| | | By Sarah Knowles Bolton |
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| 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 | 5 |
| 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, | 10 |
| 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. | |
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