Great Throughts Treasury

"The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of work."

"Voyage upon life's sea, To yourself be true, And, whatever your lot may be, Paddle your own canoe."

"Paddle Your Own Canoe - Voyager upon life's sea, To yourself be true, And where'er your lot may be Paddle your own canoe. Never, though the winds may rave, Falter nor look back; But upon the darkest wave Leave a shinning track. Nobly dare the wildest storm, Stem the hardest gale; Brave of heart and strong of arm, You will never fail. When the world is cold and dark, Keep an aim in view, And toward the beacon mark Paddle your own canoe. Every wave that bears you on To the silent shore, From its sunny source has gone To return no more. Then let not an hour's delay Cheat you of your due; But, while it is called today, Paddle your own canoe. If your birth denied you wealth, loftly state and power; Honest fame and hardy health Are a better dower. But if these will not suffice, Golden gain pursue; And, to win the glittering prize, Paddle your own canoe. Would you wrest the wreath of fame From the hand of fate? Would you write a deathless name With the good and the great? Would you bless your fellow-men? Heart and soul inbue With the holy task, and then Paddle your own canoe. Would you crush the tyrant wrong, In the world's free fight? With a spirit brave and strong, Battle for the right; And to break the chains that bind The many to the few, To enfranchise slavish mind-- Paddle your own canoe, Nothing great is lightly won; Nothing won is lost; Every good deed is nobly done, Will repay the cost. Leave to Heaven, in humble trust, All you will do; But if you succeed, you must Paddle your own canoe."