Cities and fields I walk; I penetrate

Deserts and seas remote, and, passing by

Hovel and mart and palace, soon or late

I knock, unbidden, once at every gate:

If sleeping, wake—if feasting, rise before

I turn away. It is the hour of fate,

And they who follow me, reach every state

Mortals desire and conquer every foe

Save death; but those who doubt or hesitate,

Condemned to failure, penury, and wo;