Poems (1898)/To the Victor

For other versions of this work, see To the Victor.

←Nansen

Poems (1898) by Florence Earle Coates To the Victor

Love Conquers Death→

TO THE VICTOR

You have outstripped me in the race, Your brow shall wear the laurel's grace;  But though on-speeding in your might  You pass beyond my straining sight, My spirit shall with yours keep pace! For I have dreamed your dream divine, For I have worshiped at the shrine  Whose oracles your faith have moved,  For I have loved what you have loved— Your victory is also mine! Shall the grave gods pronounce their choice And I not lift in praise my voice?  Or shall another win the goal  Whose vision hath illumed my soul, And I, though distant, not rejoice? Ah, no! Your greater gifts prevail; But though to reach your side I fail,  Through you triumphant in defeat,  Even in death I will repeat,— Hail to the victor! Hail! . . .