Classic Poem

Calmly to wait whatever Chance may give
By Fate's decree
Alone brings happiness, and makes man live
Fearless and free.

The things of this world, owning Time's control,
Move neath His sway;
But Time is swift, and swift the seasons roll
Briefly away.

Once knowledge dwelt beside the Nile, then passed
To Greece alone;
Then Rome had joy of it, that now at last
Paris doth own.

Cities and kingdoms perish and make room
For others new
That live awhile in glory of their bloom,
Then perish too.

So arm thyself in firm Philosophy
Gainst Fate's control;
Be nobly brave, and with her precepts high
Gird up thy soul.
Then whatsoever change may meet thine eyes
Fear not at all,
Though the abyss should rise and be the skies
And the skies fall.