William Preston Johnston - Seneca lyrics

FAVORITE of fortune, Seneca the wise, Offspring of intelect and virtuous thought, Possessing all things that men seek or prize, Desiring most the things that good men ought, And loving well the truths himself had taught; Yet by the cruel irony of fate Condemned to wear as chains what most men sought, Rank, ease, power, wealth, the favor of the great, He kept his steadfast eyes on virtue's gate, But dared not enter it beyond retreat; For, crouching near, envy and lynx-eyed hate And murder foul watched his advancing feet. His nerveless hand to cope with evil tried, But lacking strength greatly to live,--he died.