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Spartan Surfers

1819–1861

Arthur Hugh Clough

English poet and friend of Matthew Arnold. His short poem "Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth" was read aloud by Churchill in 1941.

6 sourced lines

Every line we carry

Each one links to its source, what it means, and the shirt in any of our looks.

  1. Say not the struggle nought availeth.

    Clough answers the voice that says your effort changes nothing. You cannot always see the effect of your fight. Do not call it useless just because the result is out of sight.

    "Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth" (1849), Original English (Poems of Arthur Hugh Clough, 1898)

  2. If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars.

    If your hopes have fooled you before, your fears can fool you too. Clough turns doubt back on itself. Do not trust the pessimist in your head more than the optimist.

    "Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth" (1849), Original English (Poems of Arthur Hugh Clough, 1898)

  3. The tired waves seem to gain nothing, but far back the main comes flooding in.

    Watch one wave and the tide seems stuck. Look back at the inlets and the whole sea is rising. Your effort may look useless up close while the bigger change comes in quietly.

    "Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth" (1849), Original English (Poems of Arthur Hugh Clough, 1898)

  4. In front the sun climbs slow, but westward, look, the land is bright.

    Facing east, dawn feels painfully slow. Turn around and the light is already on the land behind you. Progress is often visible only when you look back.

    "Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth" (1849), Original English (Poems of Arthur Hugh Clough, 1898)

  5. Your comrades may hold the field, but for you.

    In the smoke you cannot see that your side is winning. The only thing missing may be you. Stay in the fight; others are counting on you.

    "Say Not the Struggle Nought Availeth" (1849), Original English (Poems of Arthur Hugh Clough, 1898)

  6. Grace is given of God, but knowledge is bought in the market.

    Some things are gifts; knowledge is not. You pay for it in time, effort and attention. Nobody can hand you what you refuse to buy.

    "The Bothie of Tober-na-Vuolich" (1848), Original English (Poems of Arthur Hugh Clough, 1898)