THIS the true sign of ruin to a race— br It undertakes no march, and day by day br Drowses in camp, or, with the laggard’s pace, br Walks sentry o’er possessions that decay; br Destined, with sensible waste, to fleet away;— br For the first secret of continued power br Is the continued conquest;—all our sway br Hath surety in the uses of the hour; br If that we waste, in vain walled town and lofty tower!br br William Gilmore Simmsbr br