Obiter Dictum Poem by Hannington Mumo

How shall tenacious and inspired labor survive
If slothful and shiftless malingerers also thrive?
And why would the solemn toiler's soul stay true
If any shenanigans-spewing tongue prospered too?

The gallant legionnaire wouldn't his life hazard
If a craven deserter could as well win the crown;
And no fearless fighter would ever forward move
If the medal could be had with one's sword down.

No quantity of Needy Nothing even in her nicest frills
Can ever truly beat the virtues of a mendicant's skills;
And never in his finest robe has Captain Vice ever stood
Taller than the sheer merits of browbeaten Servile Good.

Consider all subtle bargains, and you'll finally find
That raw Nature's best gifts outdo all fakeries still.
No extra degree of neo-artificiality and her full brood
Will ever beat the punctilious brain and her rigid will.

Thus the valiant warrior mustn't yield upon rout's first stain,
But let him forward fight till every lingering doubting's slain.