WIST

Admitting Error clears the Score
And proves you Wiser than before.

Arthur Guiterman (1871-1943) American poet, humorist
“Of Apology,” A Poet’s Proverbs (1924)

The tusks which clashed in mighty brawls
Of mastodons, are billiard balls.
The sword of Charlemagne the Just
Is Ferric Oxide, known as rust.
The grizzly bear, whose potent hug,
Was feared by all, is now a rug.
Great Caesar’s bust is on the shelf,
And I don’t feel so well myself.

Arthur Guiterman (1871-1943) American poet, humorist
“On the Vanity of Earthly Greatness”
Full text.