Classic Poem

In measuring the work and worth of Lives,
Of him who dares or him who weakly strives,
Discord must hush and faction fade away,
And Time the poor and private feud allay
Ere History can mark the final place
Of those who fought or faltered in the race.
Years strip the tinsel for result alone,
And leave the fact without false shadow shown;
The Gilding yields to time and bares the clay,
From off the Gold the dust is brushed away.