A Song of Success

Ho! we were strong, we were swift, we were brave.         Youth was a challenge, and Life was a fight.         All that was best in us gladly we gave,         Sprang from the rally, and leapt for the height.         Smiling is Love in a foam of Spring flowers:         Harden our hearts to him - on let us press!         Oh, what a triumph and pride shall be ours!         See where it beacons, the star of success!         Cares seem to crowd on us - so much to do;         New fields to conquer, and time's on the wing.         Grey hairs are showing, a wrinkle or two;         Somehow our footstep is losing its spring.         Pleasure's forsaken us, Love ceased to smile;         Youth has been funeralled; Age travels fast.         Sometimes we wonder: is it worth while?         There! we have gained to the summit at last.         Aye, we have triumphed! Now must we haste,         Revel in victory . . . why! what is wrong?         Life's choicest vintage is flat to the taste -         Are we too late? Have we laboured too long?         Wealth, power, fame we hold . . . ah! but the truth:         Would we not give this vain glory of ours         For one mad, glad year of glorious youth,         Life in the Springtide, and Love in the flowers.