first directions

who saw the flame and saw us put it out

was not the first but fell soon into line

marching in order that was the design

both for the wayward and the most devout

seemingly magic but we dare to pout

noting this sourness far from the divine

where modern forces just cannot combine

and older strength no longer is so stout

assert what's true in spite of all this heat

it will not matter no one will be told

the proper story what is is to fail

in our sad hour this token of defeat

is valued more than coin of hoarded gold

while honesty remains so long on sale