Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Loss and Gain

    WHEN I compare 
What I have lost with what I have gained,
What I have missed with what attained,
    Little room do I find for pride.

    I am aware 
How many days have been idly spent;
How like an arrow the good intent
    Has fallen short or been turned aside.

    But who shall dare 
To measure loss and gain in this wise?
Defeat may be victory in disguise;
    The lowest ebb is the turn of the tide.