I stood before the bars of Fate And bowed my head disconsolate; So high they seemed, so fierce their frown, I thought no hand could break them down. Beyond them I could hear the songs Of valiant men who marched in throngs; And joyful women, fair and free, Looked back and waved their hands to me. I did not cry "Too late! too late!" Or strive to rise, or rail at Fate, Or pray to God. My coward heart Contented, played its foolish part. So still I sat, the tireless bee Sped o'er my head, with scorn for me, And birds who build their nest in air Beheld me, as I were not there. From twig to twig, before my face, The spiders wove their curious lace, As they a curtain fine would see Between the hindering bars and me. Then, sudden change! I heard the call Of wind and wave and waterfall; From heaven above and earth below A clear command - "ARISE AND GO!" I upward sprang in all my strength, And stretched my eager hands at length To break the bars--no bars were there; My fin...