There are two trails in life, young man.
One leads to height and fame,
To honor, glory, peace and joy,
And one to depths of shame;
And you can reach that glorious height--
Its honors can be won--
Or you can grope in shame's dark night.
It's up to you, young man.
Stern duty guards the upper trail--
Exact obedience, too--
And he who treads it cannot fail
To win if he be true.
But tickle folly, gay with smiles,
Rules o'er the other one,
And leads to ruin with her wiles.
It's up to you, young man.
At parting of the trails you stand.
At early manhood's gate;
Your future lies in your own hand--
Will it be low or great?
If now you choose the trail of Right.
When you the height have won,
You'll bask in Honor's fadeless light--
It's up to you, young man.