An Inspiration

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

   However the battle is ended,
      Though proudly the victor comes
   With fluttering flags and prancing nags
      And echoing roll of drums,
   Still truth proclaims this motto
      In letters of living light,—
   No question is ever settled
      Until it is settled right.

   Though the heel of the strong oppressor
      May grind the weak in the dust;
   And the voices of fame with one acclaim
      May call him great and just,
   Let those who applaud take warning.
      And keep this motto in sight,—
   No question is ever settled
      Until it is settled right.

   Let those who have failed take courage;
      Though the enemy seems to have won,
   Though his ranks are strong, if he be in the wrong
      The battle is not yet done;
   For, sure as the morning follows
      The darkest hour of the night,
   No question is ever settled
      Until it is settled right.

   O man bowed down with labour!
      O woman young, yet old!
   O heart oppressed in the toiler’s breast
      And crushed by the power of gold
   Keep on with your weary battle
      Against triumphant might;
   No question is ever settled
      Until it is settled right.

by Ella Wheeler Wilcox

from Poems of Power by Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1903)
The Pessimist	Life’s Harmonies

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