To the Loser. A Poem

TO THE LOSER. So you've lost your race, lad? Ran it clean and fast? Beaten at the tape, lad? Rough? Yes, but 'tis past. Never mind the losing, — think of how you ran; Smile, and shut your teeth, lad, — take it like a man! Not the winning counts, lad, but the winning fair; Not the losing shames, lad, but the weak despair; So when failure stuns you, don't forget your plan, — Smile, and shut your teeth, lad, — take it like a man! Diamonds turned to paste, lad? Night instead of morn? Where you'd pluck a rose, lad, oft you grasp a thorn? Time will heal the bleeding, — life is but a span; Smile, and shut your teeth, lad, — take it like a man! Then, when sunset comes, lad, when your fighting's through, And the Silent Guest, lad, fills his cup for you, Shrink not, — clasp it coolly, — end as you began; Smile, and close your eyes, lad, — and take it like a man! — Selected