The sturdy rock, for all his strength, <br />By raging seas, is rent in twaine; <br />The marble stone is pearst at length <br />With littel drops of drizzling raine: <br />The ox doth yield unto the yoke, <br />The steele obeyeth the hammer-stroke. <br /> <br />The stately stagge, that seemes as stout <br />By yalping hounds at day is set; <br />The swiftest bird, that flies about, <br />Is caught at length in fowler's net: <br />The greatest fish, in deepest brooke, <br />Is soon deceiv'd by subtill hooke. <br /> <br />Yea, man himselfe, unto whose will <br />All thinges are bounden to obey, <br />For all his wit and worthie skill, <br />Doth fade at length and fall away: <br />There nothing is but Time doth waste; <br />The heavens, the earth comsume at last. <br /> <br />But Virtue sits, triumphing still <br />Upon the throne of glorious fame; <br />Though spiteful death man's body kill <br />Yet hurts he not his vertuous name; <br />By life or death what so betides, <br />The state of virtue never slides.<br /><br />Anonymous Olde English<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/verses-5/
