School Song (Chapter 3)

Nor happiness, nor majesty, nor fame
Nor peace, nor strength, nor skill in arms or arts
Shepherd those herds whom tyranny makes tame
Verse echoes not one beating of their hearts

History is but the shadow of their shame
Art veils her glass, or from the pageant starts
(The pageant starts)
As to oblivion their blind millions fleet
Staining that heaven with obscene imagery

Of their own likeness, what are numbers knit
By force or custom? Man, who man would be
Of hopes and fears being himself alone

Nor happiness, nor majesty, nor fame
Nor peace, nor strength, nor skill in arms or arts
Shepherd those herds whom tyranny makes tame
Verse echoes not one beating of their hearts

History is but the shadow of their shame
(History is but the shadow of their shame)
Art veils her glass, or from the pageant starts
(The pageant starts)
As to oblivion their blind millions fleet
Staining that heaven without singing in a dream

Of their own likeness, what are numbers knit
By force or custom? Man, who man would be
Must rule the empire of himself, in it
Must be supreme, establishing his throne
On vanquished will, quelling the anarchy
Of hopes and fears (Of hopes and fears)
(Of hopes and fears)
(Of hopes and fears)
Of hopes and fears being himself alone