Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900.

By William GilmoreSimms

179 The Decay of a People

THIS the true sign of ruin to a race—

It undertakes no march, and day by day

Drowses in camp, or, with the laggard’s pace,

Walks sentry o’er possessions that decay;

Destined, with sensible waste, to fleet away;—

For the first secret of continued power

Is the continued conquest;—all our sway

Hath surety in the uses of the hour;

If that we waste, in vain walled town and lofty tower!