Oh! With what unspeakable anguish

Do I regret the vocation

I came so close

And so oft to having

The sweet acclamation

That might have been mine.

Had I tried and failed,

That would scarcely concern me,

Yet, I squandered my resources

Time and time again,

And failed so unnecessarily,

That is what so torments me.

I only wish I could contemplate

More than a mere handful

Of past achievements with pride

And satisfaction,

But even this paltry compensation,

Remains stubbornly beyond me.

Oh! With what unspeakable anguish

Do I regret the vocation

I came so close

And so oft to having

The sweet acclamation

That might have been mine.