And crushed by time’s inexorable hand,
Built for eternity, last but an hour.
Where are the hanging gardens and the towers
Of Babylon? the marbles tall and grand
That stood like gods on the Ægean strand?
Fallen and crumbled. So shall crumble ours.
Time slays or withers all on which we dote;
His swift, remorseless touches ne’er relent,
Destroying marble, mortar, and cement.
Then why should I repine because my coat