William Preston Johnston - Marcus Aurelius lyrics

VICTORIOUS Rome had crystallized the world Into an empire, and her Genius stood In one man lodged until his brain was whirled With madness and untrammeled masterhood; And evil sat enthroned, nor any could Stem or withstand corruption's poisonous tide, So that belief, that aught of true or good On earth remained, in human hearts had died, But that, imperial power, thus deified, Came to a youth, self centred, truly great, Who made a chaste philosophy the bride Of his exalted reason, and the state His only care, but yet in twilight groped, While slaves attained what Marcus only hoped.