The Good and the Bad

I am good, with certitude I do solemnly say, But look without and see this sunlit and splendid day. For is it not true that to be upright in such is so damned easy, But not at all when winds are northern and I’m feeling weary? I heard a happening the other day of a great deceit, A crime so ill and corrupt, one of such a terrible feat. With cunning a man did take the wealth of his dear friend, And what of truth and of trust when but money be the end? My spirit recoiled and righteous I felt – that, I’d never do! Or so you think, my friend said, but have you ever looked at you? Of course I have and found, within, a pure and good heart! Ah, he said, but what of without when all goes athwart? But what do you mean, my dear friend? I promptly did ask back. What I mean is your life is bright but what if it were black? I looked about at silver sites and props, and did heavily swoon, For in a mental flash I imagined all as barren as the moon. What am I if all such robes were in an instant taken away? And my friend, perceptive and timely, slowly began to say: Look around and see the mass in times so rich, and gay, and fine, Then you will see, my dear friend, that there is no need to cross the line. Now I’m lost, my friend, I said, could you put it another way? Yes, my friend, I can and will, and then sombrely he did say: The good and the bad are one and the same in times high but not low, For in the latter the bad are shown, but who it be, it’s hard to know! A, my friend, o yes, now I do see, but there’s one thing I don’t understand: What of the terrors, in times good and bad, who wreak chaos about the land? Those are the few, he said to me, his eyes wide open and alert and bold; He then went to speak but then could not for his blood, it seemed, had gone cold.