I have hoped, I have planned, I have striven,
— To the will I have added the deed;
The best that was in me I've given,
— I have prayed, but the gods would not heed.

I have dared and reached only disaster,
— I have battled and broken my lance;
I am bruised by a pitiless master
— That the weak and the timid call chance.

I am old, I am bent, I am cheated
— Of all that Youth urged me to win;
But name me not with the defeated,
— Tomorrow again, I begin .

I have hoped, I have planned, I have striven,
— To the will I have added the deed;
The best that was in me I've given,
— I have prayed, but the gods would not heed.

I have dared and reached only disaster,
— I have battled and broken my lance;
I am bruised by a pitiless master
— That the weak and the timid call chance.

I am old, I am bent, I am cheated
— Of all that Youth urged me to win;
But name me not with the defeated,
— Tomorrow again, I begin .