The Survival

1 
Securely, after days
   Unnumbered, I behold
Kings mourn that promised praise
   Their cheating bards foretold. 
2 
Of earth constricting Wars,
   Of Princes passed in chains,
Of deeds out-shining stars,
   No word or voice remains.
3 
Yet furthest times receive,
   And to fresh praise restore,
Mere breath of flutes at eve,
   Mere seaweed on the shore. 
4 
A smoke of sacrifice;
   A chosen myrtle-wreath;
An harlot's altered eyes;
   A rage 'gainst love or death; 
5 
Glazed snow beneath the moon–
   The surge of storm-bowed trees–
The Caesars perished soon,
   And Rome Herself: But these
6 
Endure while Empires fall
   And Gods for Gods make room...
Which greater God than all
   Imposed the amazing doom?

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