The Winners What is the moral who rides may read When the night is thick and the tracks are blind? A friend in a pinch is a friend indeed, But a fool to wait for the laggard behind. Down to Gehenna or up to the throne, He travels the fastest who travels alone. White hands cling to the tightened rein, Slipping the spur from the booted heel; Tenderest voices cry, "Turn again!" Red lips tarnish the scabbarded steel. High hopes faint on a warm hearthstone -- He travels the fastest whot ravels alone. One may fall, but he falls by himself; Falls by himself with himself to blame. One may attain, and to him is the pelf -- Loot of the city in gold or fame. Plunder of earth shall be all his own, Who travels the fastest, and travels alone. Where, furthermore, be you helped and stayed, Stayed by a friend in the hour of toil, Sing the heretical song I've made: His be the labor and yours the spoil. Win by his aid, and the aid disown -- He travels the fastest who travels alone. - Rudyard Kipling, 1888