Classic Poem

If ye weep, ah, then weep least for him
Who mourns some loved one lost,
For tender Time smoothes finally
The brow with pain o'ercrost;
The wound will heal that seemeth now
E'er open to the touch:
And forgiven much — 'tis written so —
Is he that loveth much.

If ye weep, ah, weep far more for him
Who sheds no outward tear,
But whose very soul the unshed tears
Of disappointment sear!
Who tries and fails and tries again,
And faileth o'er and o'er —
For him whose life naught visiteth
Save failure evermore!

If ye weep, ah, yes; weep most for him,
The unsuccessful man,
Whose weakness of each dear design
Leaves but the barren plan;
Who fails and, as a forest leaf,
Unheeded, falls to rot:
All charm unknown, all grace unseen,
For to him hope cometh not!