The shades of night were falling fast,
As through an Alpine village passed
A youth, who bore, read more

The shades of night were falling fast,
As through an Alpine village passed
A youth, who bore, 'mid snow and ice
A banner with the strange device,
Excelsior!

I see, but cannot reach, the height
That lies forever in the light.

I see, but cannot reach, the height
That lies forever in the light.

Though ambition in itself is a vice, it often is also the parent of virtue.

Though ambition in itself is a vice, it often is also the parent of virtue.

He was utterly without ambition [Chas. II.]. He detested
business, and would sooner have abdicated his crown than have read more

He was utterly without ambition [Chas. II.]. He detested
business, and would sooner have abdicated his crown than have
undergone the trouble of really directing the administration.

I want to work with the top people, because only they have the courage and the confidence and the risk- read more

I want to work with the top people, because only they have the courage and the confidence and the risk- seeking profile that you need.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that read more

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.

Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

The great refusal.
[It., Il gran rifiuto.]

The great refusal.
[It., Il gran rifiuto.]

They please, are pleas'd, they give to get esteem
Till, seeming blest, they grow to what they seem.

They please, are pleas'd, they give to get esteem
Till, seeming blest, they grow to what they seem.