THERE are no beaten paths to Glory's height, There are no rules to compass greatness known; Each for himself must cleave a path alone, And press his own way forward in the fight. Smooth is the way to ease and calm delight, And soft the road Sloth chooseth for her own; But he who craves the flower of life full-blown, Must struggle up in all his armor dight! What though the burden bear him sorely down And crush to dust the mountain of his pride, Oh, then, with strong heart let him still abide; For rugged is the roadway to renown, Nor may he hope to gain the envied crown, Till he hath thrust the looming rocks aside. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO A YOUNG BEAUTY by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS THE LOVELINESS OF LOVE by GEORGE DARLEY PARADISE by FREDERICK WILLIAM FABER ST. JOHN'S, CAMBRIDGE; SONNET by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW AN HYMN OF HEAVENLY LOVE by EDMUND SPENSER ENVOI: DEATH (2) by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |