strategic art

there is good reason not to give a name
to all the harms about which we could read
some things deserve to have but little fame
what value lies inherent in the deed
is not a matter about which we plead
since you and others may with right complain
that any feeling that we show we feign
but we intend that you have a fair shake
as fortune may not swiftly come again
our best approach should not be a mistake

there was a time when we valued acclaim
above the elements of any creed
and did not ever want to hide in shame
when facing the explorer on his steed
but now we're driven by the deepest need
to halt the bastard and to seize the rein
and let him then fall limply to the plain
as sacrifice to the devouring snake
that way we can avoid a long hard pain
our best approach should not be a mistake

sometimes we have to accept all the blame
for letting others get away with greed
since we have got some honour to proclaim
and no desire to injure or mislead
we want to move things at the proper speed
and not on good ambitions set a brake
you will discover that we've taken heed
our best approach should not be a mistake

prince you appear to have at last decreed
an end to waiting the way to succeed
is not to pause because the view's opaque
nor let the sense of urgency stampede
our hearts into some ultimate misdeed
our best approach should not be a mistake