FAME vs. RICHES

The Greeks had genius,—‘ t was a gift

The Muse vouchsafed in glorious measure;

The boon of Fame they made their aim

And prized above all worldly treasure.

But we,— how do we train our youth?

Not in the arts that are immortal,

But in the greed for gains that speed

From him who stands at Death's dark portal.

Ah, when this slavish love of gold

Once binds the soul in greasy fetters,

How prostrate lies,— how droops and dies

The great, the noble cause of letters!