Fact

The die is cast,-- be satisfied;
  The chance is past,-- be still;
For this, no more Occasion's tide
  Can waft thee good or ill;
The hour is gone, the deed is done,
And all the battle lost or won.

Stand on the Fact in patience strong,
  And never nurse regret;
Bid this stern Present, right or wrong,
  That dreamy Past forget;
And work with all thy skill and power
The living duties of the hour.

All else is nought, all else is dead,
  Disguise it as we may;
Causes with yesterday have sped,
  Results are here to-day;
Take them, and use them as you can,
Right loyally for God and Man.

The Thought that was not born a Thing
  Is only false Romance;
Reality is Nature's King,
  Unfearing change or chance;
When men can stand upon a Fact,
Duty shows clear, and Faith may act.