THE ROMAN WAY

He that has loyally served the State

Whereof he found himself a part,

Or spent his life-blood to create

A kingdom's treasure in his art;

Who sees the enemies of his land

Applauded, by her sects and schools;

And the high thought they scarce had scanned

Derided and befogged by fools;

— Better to know it soon than late!—

Struggling, he wins a meed of praise;

Achieving, he is dogged by hate

And furtive malice all his days.

O, Emperor of the Stoic clan,

Enfold him, then, with nobler pride.

Teach him that nought can hurt a man

Who will not turn or stoop to chide.

Can falsehood kindle or bedim

One bay-leaf in his quiet crown?

Ten thousand Lies may pluck at him,

But only Truth can tear him down.

Why should he heed the thing they say?

They never asked if it were true.

Why brush one scribbler's tale away

For others to invent a new?

No, let him search his heart, secure

— If Truth be there — from tongue or pen;

And teach us, Emperor, to endure,

To think like Romans and like men.