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Poem
October 26, 1869
The Spirit Of Democracy
Woodsfield, Monroe County, Ohio
What is this article about?
A didactic poem using the metaphor of a race to encourage perseverance, honest effort, and patience in life, repeating the refrain that it is better late than never to succeed.
OCR Quality
75%
Good
Full Text
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Life is like a race where some succeed,
While others are beginning;
'Tis luck in some, in others speed,
That gives an early winning
But if you chance to fall behind
Ne'er slacken your endeavor
Just keep this wholesome truth in mind
"Tis better late than never."
And if you keep ahead 'tis well,
But never trip your neighbor
'Tis noble when you can excel
By honest, patient labor;
But if you are outstripped at last,
Press on as bold as ever;
Remember, though you are surpassed
"Tis better late than never."
Ne'er lag or fix your eyes on least
Of victory o'er a brother
But while you strive your utmost
Deal truly with a brother,
Wrest not your advantage, do your best
And be true to your purpose ever
And if you fail to do the rest.
"'Tis better late than never!"
Choose well the path in which you run.
Success by double dealing wrong.
Then, though the last, who gaze 'tis won
Your crown is worth the wearing.
Take heart not if you're left behind,
Nor ever slack your endeavor,
But ever keep this truth in mind-
"'Tis better late than never"
Life is like a race where some succeed,
While others are beginning;
'Tis luck in some, in others speed,
That gives an early winning
But if you chance to fall behind
Ne'er slacken your endeavor
Just keep this wholesome truth in mind
"Tis better late than never."
And if you keep ahead 'tis well,
But never trip your neighbor
'Tis noble when you can excel
By honest, patient labor;
But if you are outstripped at last,
Press on as bold as ever;
Remember, though you are surpassed
"Tis better late than never."
Ne'er lag or fix your eyes on least
Of victory o'er a brother
But while you strive your utmost
Deal truly with a brother,
Wrest not your advantage, do your best
And be true to your purpose ever
And if you fail to do the rest.
"'Tis better late than never!"
Choose well the path in which you run.
Success by double dealing wrong.
Then, though the last, who gaze 'tis won
Your crown is worth the wearing.
Take heart not if you're left behind,
Nor ever slack your endeavor,
But ever keep this truth in mind-
"'Tis better late than never"
What sub-type of article is it?
Song
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Perseverance
Honesty
Life Race
Patient Labor
Better Late Than Never
Poem Details
Title
Better Late Than Never
Form / Style
Rhymed Quatrains With Refrain
Key Lines
"Tis Better Late Than Never."
Life Is Like A Race Where Some Succeed,
But Never Trip Your Neighbor
Deal Truly With A Brother,