Is the work for others that now we do.

For Rome grew rich and she turned to song

And danced to music and drank her wine,

But she sapped the strength of her fibres strong

And a gilded shroud was her splendor fine.

The Rome of old with its wealth and wine

Was the handiwork of a sturdy race;

They builded well and they made it fine

And they dreamed of it as their children's place.

They thought the joys they had won to give,