stolen wisdom

we have no answer for this ancient trade
no vision comes although we may require
a sort of sense that may withstand the fire
but we must face the future without aid
a remnant army forms this new parade
new folk will to old honours yet aspire
strength and courage are always on hire
there is a proper way to see things made
what knowledge we have is of lesser kind
a morning's worth of harmony is left
but in the light there is not any harm
our interlocutors are rendered blind
the burdens given have but little heft
and we have no defence but simple charm