The ways diverged—I wondered which I’d take,

And as I paused, I watched the people throng

Out of the Somewhere, each with hurrying feet,—

To right, to left, they hastened all day long!

They bore a heavy burden as they passed,

(With every single one it was the same),

And each was plainly marked, so all could read

(I marvelled greatly at the fact), “My Aim.”

And those who took the beaten path, I saw

Soon laid their burden down and gazed around.

Allured by vain enticements all about,

They left their “Aim” forgotten on the ground!

But those who took the other way pressed on,

Nor feared for pleasure’s sake their “Aim” to lose,—

I now perceived this path was Duty, so

No longer pondered which I ought to choose.