Sunday, October 2, 2016

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!

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