an ancient wisdom

no resolution ever fell so flat

as this decree though most sincerely meant

to bring all to their senses and repent

their every crime laid out upon the mat

as subjects proper for our daily chat

those matters upon which no true consent

has been achieved and on which we were lent

not enough time and oh well that’s that

when we have signaled that the end is come

to all deception we receive no prize

but only grievances a mighty store

since at the last we find that no one’s dumb

who comes beneath the censure of our eyes

but each believes they truly know the score