BE DOUBTFUL-HEARTED NEVER.
BY SHELDON CHADWICK.

The world arrayed in glory rolls proudly round the sun,
The stars sing Life’s grand story as through the sky they run;
And conquering Roman legions, the truth could never kill,
That earth with its fair regions, goes onward, onward still.
Yes, countless rays of splendour enwreathe her brow with light,
And love and truth attend her, and beauty ever bright;
New grace and grandeur taking, as each soul-bond is riven,
And were there no heart-aching, it would resemble heaven.
Be doubtful-hearted never, but labour in the van,
To make earth bloom for ever, the Paradise of Man.
Leave passion’s shrine! be busy! zealous for human weal;
Lips from the wine-cup dizzy – your manhood it doth steal;
Then will your toil be lightened, and honey fill your hives;
And home will glisten brightened by smiling babes and wives.
Ah! think what weary fingers are plied among the poor,
While lean Want wolf-eye lingers anear the cupboard door;
They help to make the morning – each beam and drop of dew;
And O! the world’s adorning belongs, each man to you.
Be doubtful-hearted never, but labour in the van,
To make earth bloom for ever, the Paradise of Man.
Pilots! up from your pillows, the good ship needs your hand,
To guide it through the billows – why do ye downcast stand?
Advance from Doubting Castle, that dungeon to the heart;
Be ye no longer vassal,. forth let the bright hopes start.
God lives! the grass and daisies, in wavy meadows green,
Are hymning grateful praises, while ye wear sorrow’s mien.
Faith’s footstep cannot falter, safe-guarded from above;
And on the soul’s rapt altar, she lights the fire of love.
Be doubtful-hearted never, but labour in the van,
To make earth bloom for ever, the Paradise of Man.

Title:Be Doubtful-Hearted Never

Author:Sheldon Chadwick

Publication:The Bolton Chronicle

Published in:Bolton

Date:18th October 1862

Keywords:hunger, poverty, religion

Commentary

This highly metaphorical poem by Sheldon Chadwick calls for optimism and for motivation to labour to make the world a better place. It seems to be aimed at the better off, and calls for them to reflect on the poor. Although the poems register sounds religious, it is actually quite secular, calling for a paradise on earth with a notable idealism. The sense of agency it confers on the prospective reader may be aspirational, but it follows familiar tropes of Victorian poetry, and poetry published specifically in the region during the Cotton Famine, that seeks to inspire individuals to remain resolute in the face of adversity. – SR