The great were once like you They whom you magnify today Once groped and blundered on life’s way
Were fearful of themselves, and thought By magic was men’s greatness wrought Yet Fame did crown with her success The selfsame gifts that you possess
The great were young like you
Dreaming the very dreams you hold Longing yet fearing to be bold Doubting that they themselves possessed The strength and skill for every test Uncertain of the truths they knew
Not sure they they could stand to fate With all the courage of the great
Then came the day when they Their first bold venture made Spurning all offered aid
They dared to stand and fight alone Took up the gauntlet at them thrown Ran strongly to the fray Mastered their fear of self and then Learned that all great men are but men
So Youth go forth and try You too to fame can rise You can be strong and wise Stand up to life and be a man You can if you’ll but think you can The great were once as you
Don’t envy them their grand success They won with gifts that you possess
