Securely, after days <br /> Unnumbered, I behold <br />Kings mourn that promised praise <br /> Their cheating bars foretold. <br /> <br />Of earth-constructing Wars, <br /> Of Princes passed in chains, <br />Of deeds out-shining stars, <br /> No word or voice remains. <br /> <br />Yet furthest times receive, <br /> And to fresh praise restore, <br />Mere breath of flutes at eve, <br /> Mere seaweed on the shore. <br /> <br />A smoke of sacrifice; <br /> A chosen myrtle-wreath; <br />An harlot's altered eyes; <br /> A rage 'gainst love or death; <br /> <br />Glazed snow beneath the moon -- <br /> The surge of storm-bowed trees-- <br />The Caesars perished soon, <br /> And Rome Herself: But these <br /> <br />Endure while Empires fall <br /> And Gods for Gods make room.... <br />Which greater God than all <br /> Imposed the amazing doom?<br /><br />Rudyard Kipling<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-survival-2/
