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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SUFFRAGE MARCHING-SONG, by                    
First Line: Lo! The nations have been toiling up a steep and rugged road
Last Line: For the hope still leads them on!
Subject(s): Elections; Women's Rights; Voting; Voters; Suffrage; Feminism


Lo! the nations have been toiling up a steep and rugged road,
Resting oft by stream and mountain, bent beneath the heavy load,
Gazing toward the coming freedom from the anguish and the goad,
For the hope has led them on.

Glory, glory, halleluia!
Glory, glory, halleluia!
Glory, glory, halleluia!
For the hope has led them on.

In the western strong republic, under skies pierced through and through
With a light of nobler foresight, life becomes more rich and true,
And a mightier strength is given to the hands that strive and do,
While the hope still leads men on.

Mother, prophetess, and holy, through the ages of the clan,
Uttering words of potent wisdom in the ear of struggling man,
Woman rose and strode beside him 'mid the dangers of the van,
Kindling hope that led him on.

Now again that voice is ringing through the ever brightening air,
And her wakened heart is calling unto labors, fine and fair,
That shall weave the robes of beauty which mankind in peace shall wear,
Since the hope is leading on.

Forth they step and march together, forth the man and woman go,
To the plains of vast achievement, where unfettered rivers flow,
And their work shall stand exalted, and their eyes shall shine and glow,
With the hope that led them on.

Glory, glory, halleluia!
Glory, glory, halleluia!
Glory, glory, halleluia!
For the hope still leads them on!





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