"Go ahead — and do not tarry" - Poetry from The Planters' Advocate, Upper Marlboro, Prince George's County Oct 26, 1853

Go ahead — and do not tarry,

Nought [sic] is gained by standing still;

When though you at times miscarry,

Let not fears your bosom fill.

Search the causes of your errors,

Gather wisdom from the past,

To the win give the terrorists,

And you'll get ahead at last.

Go ahead — it useful doings

Let your motto be "I'll try;"

He who ever is despairing,

Bankrupt hearts and hopes are nigh.

What know you and wealth be strangers —

Onward, upward be your aim,

And that those real or fancied dangers,

Soon you'll put to flight or shame.

 Go ahead — the world reforming,

In civil, moral, freedom's name,

All those forts and outposts storming,

Which your enemies they claim.

You know bulwarks, take no quarter,

Compromise no cherished right,

Freedoms treasure never barter,

Stand for them with all your might.

Go ahead, then Go ahead — don't defer it,

Lifes short span soon flips away;

If you to finish aught of merit,

You must supply your task to-day.

Sent the ball in instant motion,

To keep it going, strains each nerve,

Nor doubt that ultimate promotion

Will yield the laurels you deserve.[1]

---

[1] Planters' Advocate, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, October 26, 1853.

Maryland State Archives. Planters' Advocate Collection. MSA SC 3415.

msa_sc3415_scm3596-0031

Transcribed by John Peter Thompson, October 25, 2014.