It seems rather easy in a novel, and still easier in a biography.

But no Samuel Smiles ever writes the history of those who fail; the vessels that never came back from their venturous voyages left us no log-books.

Many have written the History of Success.

What melancholy Plutarch shall arise to record, with a pen dipped in wormwood, the History of Failure?
No! he would not go back defeated.

August said this over bravely, but a little too often, and with a less resolute tone at each repetition.