C. R. DAS
MESSAGE TO THE PERSECUTED
What shall I say to those who have suffered, who are suffering, and to those who are prepared to suffer for the cause of freedom? I repeat the message which was delivered by a Persian Poet.
Truth, love and courage:—that is all you need to learn, all that you need to remember. Faith, Fortitude, Firmness, will they falter and fail and fade at the hour of trial, in the moment of despair, asked the Saqi in a mournful strain, or will they, tried and tested emerge from the fire of life radiant, strengthened, ennobled, purified?
Nor will I forsake them, answered the youth; not even were the heavens to fall.
Thine then, said the Saqi, is the path of glory; thine a nation's gratitude; thine the fadeless crown.
Would that courage, unfailing courage, unbent courage, such as thine, be the proud possession of all?
For naught but courage winneth life's battle, naught but courage secureth soul's freedom, man's noblest, highest prize. Let courage,
