Classic Poem

Think not that all is lost to you,
Except you fail yourself in all:
The world will grant to you your due
In greatness and in your downfall.

In greatness you will have her smiles;
In your downfall you'll have your tears:
But on the way, the travelled miles
Will mark your triumphs and your fears.

Up Negro! To the mountain top!
Up to the peak of all that's good!
Rest not in sorrow's wasteful lap,
But reach the heights where gods once stood.