If you can bear
to hear the truth you've spoken
twisted by knaves
to make a trap
for fools,
or watch the things you gave your life to
broken,
and stoop
to build them up
with worn-out tools.
If you can make one heap
of all you winnings.
and risk on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
and lose
and start again at your beginnings,
and never breathe a word
about your loss.
If you can force your heart
and nerve and sinew
to serve your turn
long after they are gone,
and so hold on
when there is nothing in you
except the Will which says to them:
“Hold on!"