On all sides it is acknowledged that the United Australia Party has scored a triumphant victory in the Federal election.
Victory is not an end.
When the shout, the cheers have died
May the kindly fates defend
Victors from enfeebling pride.
While great tasks are yet to do,
Fault and error yet to mend,
This the strong man ever knew:
Victory is not an end.
Never has iconoclast
Gloating over follies killed
Won a triumph that might last,
Lest his hand moved to rebuild.
Never has a conqueror
Won true wisdom for a friend,
Lest he conned this lesson o'er:
Victory is not an end.
They are great in triumph who,
With the foeman in the dust,
Turn to labors yet to do
That they may uphold men's trust.
They are wise who, striving yet,
To the sterner tasks shall bend,
And 'mid clamorings ne'er forget
Victory is not an end.
First published in The Herald, 22 December 1931
Author reference sites: C.J. Dennis, Austlit, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Australian Poetry Library
See also.
