Opportunity

(1916) by John James Ingalls

Master of human destinies am I; Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait. 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 hesitate Condemned to failure, penury and woe, Seek me in vain, and uselessly implore. I answer not, and I return no more.