| The Secrets of a Beautiful Life |
Chapter 15 |
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In all departments of life there are a few who seem to succeed, while the many seem to fail. Have all those who sink down, weary and broken hearted; who fall out of the ranks, unable to keep up in the swift march; who do not get on in business; whose hope are disappointed, and who drop down in the dust of defeat, — have all those who seem to fail really failed?
“While the voice of the world shouts its chorus—its
Paean—or those who have won;
While the trumpet is sounding triumphant, and high
To the breeze and the sun
Glad banners are waving, hands clapping, and hurrying feet
Thronging after the laurel-crowned victors, I stand on the
Field of defeat,
In the shadow, with those who are fallen, and wounded
And dying, and there
Chant a requiem low, place my hand on their
Pain-knotted brow, breathe a prayer,
Hold the hand that is helpless, and whisper:
‘They only the victory win
Who have fought the good fight, and have vanquished
The demon who tempts us within;
Who have held to their faith unseduced by the prize
That the world holds on high;
Who have dared for a high cause to suffer, resist,
Fight, if need be to die.”
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