Fair I alone, in words and deeds?
Why, all men strive, and who succeeds?

This poignant reflection captures the speaker's resignation to the reality of his unfulfilled love. He grapples with the dichotomy between effort and achievement, questioning whether he is unique in his failure. By asking "Fair I alone, in words and deeds?" the speaker contemplates whether he is the only one whose actions and intentions have gone unrealized. The subsequent line, "Why, all men strive, and who succeeds?" broadens this personal introspection to a universal level, suggesting that the struggle to achieve one's desires is a common human experience, yet success often remains elusive. This sentiment underscores a key theme in the poem: the unpredictability of life and love. Through this realization, the speaker gains a sort of philosophical solace—recognizing that while he stands among many who strive, the elusive nature of success is a shared human condition.