[BNP/E3, 79¹ – 7]

Napoleon.

This was the great[1] and ill-mighty arm

Who swayed the nations as the wind a straw

His will was {…} his plan was law

                           His charm

Is endless for the spirits with whom harm

When measured with boldness is a pleasure raw

For above the eagle is the great of claw

And beak, the symbol of cold conquerors warm.

Great? To be great is not to conquer men[2]

Or strive for metals, stones, shores. Great’s a flower

Because the thoughts it raises lead away

From vileness. Lust by greatness smallness |ran|[3]

Being the symbol of the power of {…} powers

Thou art the lesson of a great decay.

1/8/07

Alexander Search.

[1] great ^/ruthless\

[2] men ^/man\

[3] Lust by greatness smallness |ran| ^{/Smallness did thy greatness end /pen\\}