The times are changing but—do not despair.
There is no age that lies beyond compare.
In all the annals of human endeavor
Men have survived, through faith, or being clever,
As some, without a doubt, unjustly perish—
Yet life remains in prospect but to cherish.
Others have fared, for better or for worse,
Even as I, and nature runs its course:
For mankind, to retain the note of honor
In word and deed, without being a fawner
On those of power, or a sycophant:
The game lies not in winning what you want.
Blessings upon the man who meets with failure
Rather than him adorned in rich regalia
Of princely courtiership, devolve more surely,
And when retained, are held the more securely
Than by a man who never felt their lack:
Life may be borne though weathering the attack.
To die is not a curse: remember this.
Stagnancy rather, and paralysis
Remain the bane of life—holding one ground
Immutably, without a respite found.
If you must die, let it not be the same
As when into this world, a child, you came.