1. If you are given authority,
Beware the power of time.

2. The brother of authority is described
As having good judgement and wit.

3. Yet in an hour he ceases to possess it,
And people curse him.

4. His praised opinion becomes
Attributed to ineptitude.

5. And you see in his appearance,
The fall of eyes and ears,

6. As if the joy of authority, when it passes away, had never been.