Ambition drives to fair and also foul
and fortunate the climber who has friend
to warn away from tempters on the prowl
disguising inner hope as foretold end.

Alas for one whose partner seizes fast
upon the glories restless heart predicts
and steels the softer feelings till at last
no conscience can the malcontent convict.

All crowns and titles are but empty signs
unless approved by general consent
and weary rulers find that worthy lines
of merit may their days of rest prevent.

The blood from wounded flesh will find no when
to reinvigorate the corpse again.

- Robert Stone, 13 January 2013