The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight.
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward through the night.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
The laughs by great fools quipped and clapped
Were not attained by sudden farce.
But they, while their companions wept,
Were plotting yet without remorse.
--Shortfellow (aka Lord Zakwoof of Glenwoof)