Classic Poem

Oil & Wine,
Sparkling gems, & rich attire,
House & lands that men desire,
Ye may seek at Plutus' shrine.


High renown,
Plaudits from desiring throngs,
Echoed far by poets songs
Are dowry to the Victors crown.


Royal state,
Diamond star, & cap of gold,
Bedizened throne, how hard to hold!
—Are got by force, or fraud, or fate.


Man must learn—.
In haunts of care, in fields of strife,
Are bought the glittering goods of life,
These to ashes turn.


But go thou home,
Home to the mansion of the mind,
If solid good thy search would find,
In the bright bower of Joy, & Thought's immortal dome.