The variable moods they breed
Are but as April sun and shower,
That only seem to hinder—truly speed
Against the harvest hour.
Thy net in all rough waters cast,
In all fair pasturelands rejoice,
Thee shall such wealth of trials lead at last
To thy true home of choice.
So shalt thou grow, O youth, at length
Strong in endeavor, strong to bear
As having all things borne, thy lease of strength
Not perishable hair.
Not the frail tenement of health,
The uneasy mail of stoic pride
(A Nessus-shirt indeed!) the veer of wealth
In strong continual tide.
Not these, but in the constant heart,
That having all ways tried, at last
Holds, stout and patient, to the eternal chart,
Well tested in the past.
O, more than garlands for our heads,
Than drum and trumpet sounding loud,
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