Reading History

Man, to the man-ape, waved goodbye,
Having some stone tools in the age
Which was his early Childhood’s stage.
The flames of bronze and iron were high;
When did he learn the art, d’you know?—
But a few thousand years ago.
On earth broad smiles are rarely seen;
On the field each side draws his bow.
All plains are red
With blood that’s shed.

One volume read, and you’ll be old,
Recalling but some dimmish signs—
Old traces taken from some lines.
The legends of saint kings retold
Have fooled countless human dayflies.
How many have been worthy guys?