Lazarus begins by describing how she once dwelt on defeat, pain, and the pathos of the struggling masses. Now, she consciously sets that aside and aches to write a trumpet-clear song of triumph, honoring the enduring power of a strong will and the “palm-bearing, laurel deeds” that live forever. She longs to pour her soul into one sustained, grief-shattering strain. It’s a deliberate pivot—leaving behind the gloom of the “stupid, stumbling throng” to focus entirely on the bold, significant individuals whose achievements shine like a sun. The poem’s central image is the person who has persisted and achieved: someone whose glad, deep eyes hold a divine light. She urges us to salute that man with free hearts and choral voice, contrasting him with the “flippant, feeble crowds of spectres wan” who merely haunt existence. The speaker’s own voice shifts from brooding to exultation, and she invites us to share that transformation. The mood swells with reverence and exuberance, a joyful rallying cry that genuine success is rare, sacred, and deserves our full-throated praise.
Success — Summary
Oft have I brooded on defeat and pain, The pathos of the stupid, stumbling throng. These I ignore to-day and only long To pour my soul forth in one trumpet strain, One clear, grief-shattering, triumphant song, For all the victories of man's high endeavor, Palm-bearing, laurel deeds that live forever, The splendor clothing him whose will is strong. Hast thou beheld the deep, glad eyes of one Who has persisted and achieved? Rejoice! On naught diviner shines the all-seeing sun. Salute him with free heart and choral voice, 'Midst flippant, feeble crowds of spectres wan, The bold, significant, successful man.