FATE’S IRONY

He fought against his weakness; weary,

Heartsick, he, amid his failures, died.

Then one who knew him, knew how near he

Came to conq’ring with the hurts he bore;

Knew the reachings of his nature,

And the sweetness of his heart at core;

Knew the baffled will, the down-crushed pride;

From his effort plucked up courage,

Turned the failure into story,

From it won renown and glory.

Amy E. Blanchard.