The Thousandth Man

One man in a thousand, Solomon says,

    Will stick more close than a brother.

And it's worth while seeking him half your days

    If you find him before the other.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine depend

    On what the world sees in you,

But the Thousandth Man will stand your friend

    With the whole round world agin you.

'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show

    Will settle the finding for 'ee.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go

    By your looks or your acts or your glory.

But if he finds you and you find him,

    The rest of the world don't matter;

For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim

    With you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk

    Than he uses yours for his spendings;

And laugh and meet in your daily walk

    As though there had been no lendings.

Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call

    For silver and gold in their dealings;

But the Thousandth Man he's worth 'em all,

    Because you can show him your feelings!

His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right

    In season or out of season.

Stand up and back it in all men's sight —

    With that for your only reason!

Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide

    The shame or mocking or laughter,

But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side

    To the gallows-foot — and after!