Ingalls, John James (fl. 1881) Opportunity [poem signed]
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02453.20 Author/Creator: Ingalls, John James (fl. 1881) Place Written: Washington Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 1881/06/27 Pagination: 1 p. 15.2 x 24.1 cm Order a Copy
Written on the verso of stationery of the Wilmer Hotel, Anniston, Ala.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Opportunity
Master of human destinies am I!
Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait.
[Oihes] and fields I walk: I penetrate
Deserts and seas remote, and passing by
Hovel and mart and palace, Soon or late
I knock unbidden, once, at every gate.
If feasting rise: if sleeping wake before
I turn away. It is the hour of fate,
And they who follow me reach every State
Mortals desire, and conquer every foe
Save death. But those who doubt or hesitate,
Condemned to failure, penury and woe
Seek me in vain and uselessly implore:
I answer not, and I return - no more!
John James Ingalls
Washn. D.C. 6.27.81
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.