 | The collected works of Ambrose Bierce |  |
HISTORY
What wrecked the Roman power? One says vice,Another indolence, another dice.
Emascle says polygamy. “Not so,”
Says Impycu—“'twas luxury and show.”
The parson, lifting up a brow of brass,
Swears superstition gave the coup de grâce.
Great Allison, the statesman-chap affirms
'Twas lack of coin (croaks Medico: “'Twas worms!”)—
And John P. Jones the swift suggestion collars,
Averring the no coins were silver dollars.
Thus, through the ages, each presuming quack
Turns the poor corpse upon its rotten back,
315
Resulted partly from the want of breath,
But chiefly from some visitation sad
That points his argument to serve his fad.
They're all in error—never human mind
The cause of the disaster has divined.
What slew the Roman power? Well, provided
You'll keep the secret, I will tell you. I did.
| The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | |