THE POWER OF WILL
Why do we shrink from those appointed tasks
Which 'tis our urgent duty to fulfil,
Even when to do them no stem effort asks,
And all that's wanting is the firm-set will?
Aye there it is,—lacking the will we lack
The spring that all our powers in action sets,
Whence they in useless idleness lie slack
Till that stirred spring their potency begets.
Not those of deepest wisdom, keenest wit,
The highest prizes, greatest triumphs gain,
But those whose wills to lesser powers knit
Endure unto the end of the campaign.
Will's wit, but wit, alas! is oft not will,
And thus is wit poor and unhappy still.
Which 'tis our urgent duty to fulfil,
Even when to do them no stem effort asks,
And all that's wanting is the firm-set will?
Aye there it is,—lacking the will we lack
The spring that all our powers in action sets,
Whence they in useless idleness lie slack
Till that stirred spring their potency begets.
Not those of deepest wisdom, keenest wit,
The highest prizes, greatest triumphs gain,
But those whose wills to lesser powers knit
Endure unto the end of the campaign.
Will's wit, but wit, alas! is oft not will,
And thus is wit poor and unhappy still.