not being a stoic

the name that's spoken isn't one that's known
the speaker seems ashamed that it's his own
life doesn't allow much chance to have our say
but has still its pleasures each fine in its way

the margin for success has not been large
only a fool thinks to win by a straight charge
for slow and clever will usually win the day
but has still its pleasures each fine in its way

what we were asking for we won't soon obtain
but though we hate it we'll all soak in the rain
the life we've got gives not much chance to play
but has still its pleasures each fine in its way

naming the criminal will have but little weight
if he's already out and through the prison gate
the standard gives us but little chance to stray
but has still its pleasures each fine in its way

nowhere but here can we expect much change
opportunities seem always far beyond our range
our fortune doesn't get much time in the sun's ray
but has still its pleasures each fine in its way

we've no need ever to sweat and swink and strain
we won't get paid for injury nor for suffering and pain
the experience puts a cloud over the brightest day
but has still its pleasures each fine in its way