IT was a noble Roman, In Rome's imperial day, Who heard a coward croaker Before the battle say -- "They're safe in such a fortress; There is no way to shake it" -- "On, on!" exclaimed the hero, "I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!" Is FAME your aspiration? Her path is steep and high; In vain he seeks the temple, Content to gaze and sigh; The crowded town is waiting, But he alone can take it Who says, with "SOUTHERN FIRMNESS," "I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!" Is GLORY your ambition? There is no royal road; Alike we all must labor, Must climb to her abode: Who feels the thirst for glory, In Helicon may slake it, If he has but the "SOUTHERN WILL," "TO FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!" Is Sumter worth the getting? It must be bravely sought; With wishing and with fretting The boon cannot be bought; To all the prize is open, But only he can take it Who says, with "SOUTHERN COURAGE," "I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!" In all impassioned warfare, The tale has ever been, That victory crowns the valiant, The brave are they who win. Though strong is "Sumter Fortress," A HERO still may take it, Who says, with "SOUTHERN DARING," "I'LL FIND A WAY, OR MAKE IT!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HILL-SIDE TREE by MAXWELL BODENHEIM DIRGE OF RORY O'MORE; 1642 by AUBREY THOMAS DE VERE A VISION OF CONNAUGHT IN THE THIRTEENTH CENTURY by JAMES CLARENCE MANGAN ODES II, 14 by QUINTUS HORATIUS FLACCUS THE PROGRESS OF POETRY by JONATHAN SWIFT |