The augurs were of all the world admired, Flattered by consuls, honored by the state, Because the event of all that was desired, They seemed to know, and keep the books of fate, Yet though abroad they thus did boast their wit, Alone among themselves they scorned it. Mankind, that with his wit doth gild his heart, Strong in his passions, but in goodness weak, Making great vices o'er the less an art, Breeds wonder, and moves ignorance to speak, Yet when his fame is to the highest borne, We know enough to laugh his praise to scorn. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...GETHSEMANE by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON TO A MAN WORKING HIS WAY THROUGH THE CROWD by MARIANNE MOORE FROM THE SHORE by CARL SANDBURG A MAN'S REQUIREMENTS by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING O MORS! QUAM AMARA EST MEMORIA TUA HOMINI PACEM HABENTI by ERNEST CHRISTOPHER DOWSON WE WEAR THE MASK by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR THE MARTYRS OF THE MAINE by RUPERT HUGHES |