IF you can keep your head
when all about you are losing theirs
And blaming it on you.
IF you can trust yourself
when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too.
IF you can dream and not make dreams your master.
IF you can think and not make thoughts your aim.
IF you can meet with triumph and disaster.
And treat those two impostors just the same.
IF you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken
And stoop and build'em up with worn out tools.
IF you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch and toss
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breathe a word about your loss.
IF you can force your heart, and nerve, and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone
And so "hold on" when there is nothing on you
except the will which says to them "hold on!"
IF you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue
Or walk with kings, nor lose the common touch.
IF neither foe nor loving friend can hurt you.
IF all men count with you ... but none too much.
IF you can fill the unforgiving minute
with sixty seconds worth of distant run.
Yours is the earth, and everything that's in it.
And which is more ... You'll be a Man, my son.