Charles Johnston - In Decline lyrics

I've seen my day before its noon decline, And dark is still the future, nor alas! Can hope with all the magic of her gla** Irradiate the deep gloom which fate malign Has gathered round; yet will I not repine; For though the courage that can do and dare Be brightest glory, unsubdued to bear, That calmer, better virtue may be mine; For this is of the mind; to slay, be slain Asks but a moment's energies, and fame First wakens and then keeps alive the flame; But patience must itself, itself sustain, And must itself reward, nor hope to find The praise or the compa**ion of mankind.