Plea for Strength

Grant me the fighting spirit, grant me the rugged heart--
Grant me the inner courage in battle to do my part.
Whether the path be easy or thorny and rough and long,
Let me press on to the evening, willing and brave and strong.

Not from the cares that try me, would I be forever free.
All that I ask is patience for whatever my task may be;
Patience to wait the little brief while, till the work is done,
And the needed strength, and the courage, for the struggle that can be won.

Grant me the fighting spirit, and fashion me stout of will,
Arouse in me that strange something that fearfulness cannot chill.
Let me not whimper at hardship! This is the gift I ask:
Not ease and escape from trial, but srtength for the doubtful task.