Alexander The Great

(From the Early Irish)

Four Sages stood to chant a stave Above the proud Earth Conqueror's grave; And all their words were words of candour Above the urn of Alexander.

The first began: "But yesterday, When all in state the Great King lay, Myriads around him made their moan, To-day he lieth all alone!"

"But yesterday," the second sang, "O'er Earth his charger's hoof outrang; To-day its outraged soil instead Is riding heavy o'er his head!"

"But yesterday," the third went on, "All Earth was swayed by Philip's son: To-day, to shroud his calcined bones, Seven feet thereof is all he owns!"

"But yesterday, so liberal he, Silver and gold he scattered free; To-day," the last outsighed his thought, "His wealth abounds but he is naught!"

Thus sentence gave these Sages four, Above the buried Emperor; It was no foolish women's prate That held them thus in high debate.