Classic Poem

HORACE, BK. V. ODE 22 .

Securely , after days
Unnumbered, I behold
Kings mourn that promised praise
Their cheating bars foretold.

Of earth-constricting wars,
Of Princes passed in chains,
Of deeds out-shining stars,
No word or voice remains.

Yet furthest times receive,
And to fresh praise restore,
Mere breath of flutes at eve,
Mere seaweed on the shore.

A smoke of sacrifice;
A chosen myrtle-wreath;
An harlot's altered eyes;
A rage 'gainst love or death;

Glazed snow beneath the moon;
The surge of storm-bowed trees —
The Caesars perished soon,
And Rome Herself: But these

Endure while Empires fall
And Gods for Gods make room. . . .
Which greater God than all
Imposed the amazing doom?