Sir Nigel's Song

A sword!  A sword!  Ah, give me a sword!
For the world is all to win.
Though the way be hard and the door be barred
The strong man enters in.
If Chance or Fate still hold the gate
Give me the iron key,
And turret high, my plume shall fly
Or you may weep for me!

A horse!  A horse!  Ah, give me a horse
To bear me out afar,
Where blackest need and grimmest deed,
And sweetest perils are.
Hold thou my ways from glutted days,
Where poisoned leisure lies,
And point the path of tears and wrath
Which mounts to high emprise.

A heart!  A heart!  Ah, give me a heart,
To rise to circumstance!
Serene and high, and bold to try
The hazard of a chance.
With strength to wait, but fixed as fate
To plan and dare and do;
The peer of all - and only thrall,
Sweet lady mine, to you!


Sir Arthur Conan Doyle