Oft have I brooded on defeat and pain, <br />The pathos of the stupid, stumbling throng. <br />These I ignore to-day and only long <br />To pour my soul forth in one trumpet strain, <br />One clear, grief-shattering, triumphant song, <br />For all the victories of man's high endeavor, <br />Palm-bearing, laurel deeds that live forever, <br />The splendor clothing him whose will is strong. <br />Hast thou beheld the deep, glad eyes of one <br />Who has persisted and achieved? Rejoice! <br />On naught diviner shines the all-seeing sun. <br />Salute him with free heart and choral voice, <br />'Midst flippant, feeble crowds of spectres wan, <br />The bold, significant, successful man.<br /><br />Emma Lazarus<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/success-2/
