THIS the true sign of ruin to a race? 
 It undertakes no march, and day by day 
Drowses in camp, or, with the laggard?s pace, 
 Walks sentry o?er possessions that decay; 
 Destined, with sensible waste, to fleet away;? 
For the first secret of continued power 
 Is the continued conquest;?all our sway 
Hath surety in the uses of the hour; 
If that we waste, in vain walled town and lofty tower!