If, only, like you, I stick to it.
The sages declare that true genius, so called,
Is simply the will to “keep at it.”
A “won’t-give-up” purpose is never forestalled,
No matter what foes may combat it.
And most of mankind’s vaunted progress is made,
O stamp! if the world only knew it,
By noting the wisdom which you have displayed
In sticking adhesively to it.
To acquire a few tongues, says a French writer, is the task of a few years; but to be eloquent in one is the labor of a life.—Colton.