Heaven is not reached at a single bound;
      But we build the ladder by which we rise
      From the lowly earth, to the vaulted sky,
And we mount to its summit round by round.

I count this thing to be grandly true:
      That a noble deed is a step toward God,
      Lifting the soul from the common clod
To a purer air and a broader view.

We rise by the things that are under feet;
      By what we have mastered of good and gain;
      By the pride deposed and the passion slain,
And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet.

 ... 

Wings for the angels, but feet for men!
      We may borrow the wings to find the way —
      We may hope, and resolve, and aspire, and pray;
But our feet must rise, or we fall again.

 ... 

Heaven is not reached at a single bound;
      But we build the ladder by which we rise
      From the lowly earth, to the vaulted skies,
And we mount to its summit, round by round.