My pride would that I mount perfection’s peak —
In every word and deed excel all men,
And in no craft or courage be found weak,
And ken each winding path of wisdom’s pen
Across the page of heav’n and earth and sea,
And never shirk the duties or demands
Laid on a man by love or honesty.
But while pride spurs me on, it reins me back —
For if I gain new prowess I confess
That I had some deficiency or lack
Before of wisdom, strength or righteousness.
So pride with longing looks and cannot climb,
Where heedless meekness gains the heights sublime.