Thank Fate for foes! I hold mine dear br As valued friends. He cannot know br The zest of life who runneth here br His earthly race without a foe. br br I saw a prize, "Run," cried my friend; br "'T is thine to claim without a doubt." br But ere I half-way reached the end, br I felt my strength was giving out. br br My foe looked on the while I ran; br A scornful triumph lit his eyes. br With that perverseness born in man br I nerved myself, and won the prize. br br All blinded by the crimson glow br Of sin's disguise I tempted Fate. br "I knew thy weakness!" sneered my foe, br I saved myself, and balked his hate. br br For half my blessings, half my gain, br I needs must thank my trusty foe; br Despite his envy and disdain, br He serves me well wher'er I go. br br So may I keep him to the end, br Nor may his enmity abate; br More faithful that the fondest friend, br He guards me with his hate.