Classic Poem

Atlas, we read in ancient song,
Was so exceeding tall and strong,
He bore the skies upon his back,
Just as a pedlar does his pack;
But, as a pedlar overpressed,
Unloads upon a stall to rest;
Or when he can no longer stand,
Desires a friend to lend a hand;
So Atlas, lest the ponderous spheres
Should sink and fall about his ears,
Got Hercules to bear the pile,
That he might sit and rest awhile.
Yet Hercules was not so strong,
Nor could have borne it half so long.

Great statesmen are in this condition;
And Atlas is a politician;
A premier minister of state;
Alcides, one of second rate.
Suppose then Atlas ne'er so wise,
Yet when the weight of kingdom lies
Too long upon his single shoulders,
Sink down he must, or find upholders.