Page:Bierce - Collected Works - Volume 04.djvu/153

Rh Would pave with gold an avenue) To float a battleship or two,
 * If so the cost we choose to measure.

'Twas worth it all, we say and say—
 * The President has often said it;

And so it was—to us; and they
 * Say nothing, as a rule, who shed it.

"Times change and we change with them,"
 * men
 * Of old renown averred in Latin;

And that's as true on tongue or pen This blessed century as when
 * The seat of empire Cæsar sat in.

For see how many play their parts
 * As ardent lovers of secession.

Promoting it with all their hearts—
 * In countries out of our possession.

O men of variable views,
 * How can you be so light and fickle?

Is it because you think the news From Panama portends no bruise
 * To you, nor payment of a nickel?

Nay, is it that you scent a gain
 * In troubles of a neighbor nation,

And so appraise her loss and pain
 * As nothing worth a valuation?