“I call on any beast to run
Against me in a race!” –
So spoke the hare. “I’ve always won
A comfortable first place!”
“I take the challenge! Let me start!”
The Tortoise made reply.
“What!” scoffed the hare, “Your legs can dart
As well as you can fly!”
Still, they set out. The hare, to slow
How scornful his intent,
Lay down to sleep: while, firm and slow,
Forward the tortoise went,
And reached the goal. The hare awoke
Wide-eyed, aghast to see
That rival whom he thought a joke
Had won the victory.
For not alone your strength of limb
But how you seek and strive
Tells where you go, if fleet or slow,
And whether you arrive.
