The bow is bent, the arrow flies,
The winged shaft of fate.

The bow is bent, the arrow flies,
The winged shaft of fate.

Let those deplore their doom,
Whose hope still grovels in this dark sojourn:
But lofty souls, who read more

Let those deplore their doom,
Whose hope still grovels in this dark sojourn:
But lofty souls, who look beyond the tomb,
Can smile at Fate, and wonder how they mourn.

Fate has carried me
'Mid the thick arrows: I will keep my stand--
Not shrink and let read more

Fate has carried me
'Mid the thick arrows: I will keep my stand--
Not shrink and let the shaft pass by my breast
To pierce another.

Destiny has two ways of crushing us -- by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.

Destiny has two ways of crushing us -- by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.

All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

All human things are subject to decay,
And when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

Each man is the architect of his own fate.

Each man is the architect of his own fate.

Thy fate is the common fate of all; Into each life some rain must fall.

Thy fate is the common fate of all; Into each life some rain must fall.

He has gone to the demnition bow-wows.

He has gone to the demnition bow-wows.

They are raised on high that they may be dashed to pieces with a
greater fall.
[Lat., Tolluntur read more

They are raised on high that they may be dashed to pieces with a
greater fall.
[Lat., Tolluntur in altum
Ut lapsu gaviore ruant.]