LESSON 34 WHAT CAN A LITTLE CHAP DO?

WHAT CAN A LITTLE CHAP DO?

1. What can a little chap do

For his country and for you?

What can a little chap do ?

2. He can fight like a knight [1]

For the truth and the right;

That's one good thing he can do.

3. He can shun [2] all that's mean,

He can keep himself clean

Both within and without;

That's another good thing he can do.

4. His soul he can brace [3]

Against everything base [4] ,

And the trace [5] will be seen

All his life in his face;

That's a very fine thing he can do.

5. He can look to the light,

He can keep his thought white,

He can fight the great fight,

He can do with his might

What is good in God's sight;

These are excellent [6] things he can do.

6. Though his years be but few,

He can march in the queue [7]

Of the good and the great

Who battled with fate [8]

And won through;

That's a wonderful thing he can do.

7. And, in each little thing,

He can follow the King;

Yes, in each smallest thing,

He can follow the King—

He can follow the Christ, the King.

—JOHN OXENHAM

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[1] knight: In the olden days, a knight was a brave soldier who travelled about to fight for those who were in distress.

[2] shun: Keep clear of.

[3] brace: Stiffen; strengthen.

[4] base: Wrong; evil; mean.

[5] trace: Mark; sign.

[6] excellent: Of greatest value.

[7] queue: The ranks.

[8] fate: Chance; good or evil fortune.