There were roads we must walk full of thorns and of fire.
For if he who much strength with the body would gain,
Must clamber his way through fatigue and through pain,
Then he who would mental efficiency find,
Must suffer and strive with the nerves of the mind.
If we turned all these woes in the quartz-mill of truth,
And crushed out the gold from the woes of our youth,
If we knew that all pain, when 'tis wisely endured,
Will be paid for ten times, and the wound neatly cured,
Then we gathered rich profits that doubtless will last