Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WHERE THERE'S A WILL THERE'S A WAY, by JOHN GODFREY SAXE Poet's Biography First Line: It was a noble roman Last Line: "I'll find a way, or make it!" Variant Title(s): Find A Way;the Will And The Way Subject(s): Perseverance | ||||||||
IT was a noble Roman, In Rome's imperial day, Who heard a coward croaker, Before the Castle, say: "They're safe in such a fortress; There is no way to shake it!" "On -- on!" exclaimed the hero "I'll find a way, or make it!" Is Fame your aspiration? Her path is steep and high; In vain he seeks her temple, Content to gaze and sigh: The shining throne is waiting, But he alone can take it Who says, with Roman firmnesa "I'll find a way, or make it!" Is Learning your ambition? There is no royal road; Alike the peer and peasant Must climb to her abode: Who feels the thirst of knowledge In Helicon may slake it, If he has still the Roman will "To find a way, or make it!" Are Riches worth the getting? They must be bravely sought; With wishing and with fretting The boon cannot be bought: To all the prize is open, But only he can take it Who says, with Roman courage, "I'll find a way, or make it!" In Love's impassioned warfare The tale has ever been, That victory crowns the valiant, -- The brave are they who win: Though strong is Beauty's castle, A lover still make take it, Who says, with Roman daring, "I'll find a way, or make it!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AT THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART by EDWARD FIELD DON'T FRET NOW by SIMON J. ORTIZ MATISSE TOO by ALICIA SUSKIN OSTRIKER COMPENSATION by RICHARD ALDINGTON THE DEAD RIDE FAST by RICHARD PALMER BLACKMUR DEATH AND CUPID; AN ALLEGORY by JOHN GODFREY SAXE |
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