A Ruthful Threnody

For fiercest queens, the finest pedigree, Begetter and bestower of all lauds; For foulest plagues, the fairest remedy, Despoiler and destroyer of all frauds. Revered for rectitude, renowned for laurels, You helped reform the world to honest fame; Reviled as sinister, renounced on morals, The world deformed you to mendacious shame. Now candid trade’s betrayed by blackened graft, And harmless wit’s harangued by hurtful wile, And simple skill’s arraigned by compound craft, And vulgar pride's maintained by vulpine guile. The grossest lies all get averred for gain Since humblest truth became impugned and slain.