The Old Stoic

Riches I hold in light esteem,

And love I laugh to scorn;

And lust of fame was but a

That vanish'd with the morn:

And if I pray, the only

That moves my lips for

Is, "Leave the heart that now I bear,

And give me liberty!"Yes, as my swift days near their goal,'Tis all that I implore:

In life and death a chainless soul,

With courage to endure.