Work And Thinks

Hammer, tongs, and anvils ringing.
‘Waking echoes all day long,
In a deep-toned voice are singing
Thrifty Labour’s iron song.
From a thousand fly-wheels bounding.
From a thousand humming looms,
Night and day the notes are sounding
Through the misty fact’ry rooms.
Listen! Workman, to their playing –
There’s advice in ev’ry clink;
Still they’re singing – still they’re saying –
“Whilst you labour, learn to think!”

Think what power lies within you
For what triumphs ye are formed,
If, in aid of bone and sinew,
Hearts by emulation warmed,
Mighty thought ye woo and cherish.
What shall hold your spirits down?
What shall make your high hopes perish?
What shall ye mind Fortune’s frown?
Do ye wish for profit, pleasure?
Thirst at Learning’s fount to drink?
Crave yr honour, fame, or treasure?
Ye the germs have – work, and think!

Think! But not alone of living.
Like the horse, from day to day
Think! But not alone of giving
Health for pelf, or soul for pay!
Think! Oh, be machines no longer –
Engines made of flesh and blood!
Think! ‘twill make you fresher, stronger!
Link you to the great and good!
Thought exalts and lightens labour;
Thought forbids the soul to sink!
Self-respect and love for neighbour,
Mark the men who work – and think!

Think! – and let the thought new-nerve yore
Think of men who’ve gone before;
Leaving lustrous names to serve you;
Yours the path they’re plodded o’er!
Freedom fights and wins her charter
With the sword of thought – the pen!
Tyranny can find no quarter
In the ranks of thinking men.
Think! For thought’s a wand of power –
Power to make oppression shrink:
Grasp ye, then, the precious dower!
Poise it – wield it – work, and think!

Hold your heads up, toiling brothers;
Mongst us be it ne’er forgot,
Labour, for ourselves and others,
Is for man a noble lot.
Nobler far, and holier, higher,
Than vain luxury can claim,
It bur zeal and worth inspire,
And true greatness be our aim.
Power to compass this is given –
Power that forms the strongest link
‘Twixt an upright man and Heaven,
His noblest power – the power to think!