His eyes betrayed through gold-rimmed prism

Myopia and astigmatism;

But, head in air, he proudly strode,

Declaiming down the fatal road,

"Excelsior!"

The sign-posts clustered left and right

And waved their arms towards the height;

He heeded not, but through the mist

Plunged steeply down and fiercely hissed,

"Excelsior!"