OPPORTUNITY Master of human destiny am I;

Fame, love and fortune on my footsteps wait :

Cities and fields I walk; I penetrate Deserts and seas remote, and passing by

Hovel, mart and palace, soon or late

I knock unbidden once at every gate. If sleeping, wake; if feasting, rise before

I turn away. It is the hour of fate,

And those 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 J. INGALLS.