The Lost Pleiad
July 6, 2023Song In March
July 6, 2023The Decay Of A People
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!
William Gilmore Simms
William Gilmore Simms (1806-1870) was an American author and poet from South Carolina. He was a prolific writer, producing over 80 works in his lifetime, including novels, essays and poetry. Simms was a major literary figure in the American South, and his works often dealt with themes of history, politics and culture. His most famous works include "The Yemassee," "The Partisan" and "The Cassique of Kiawah."