Let us now praise famous men

Canticle
by R Vaughan Williams

Let us now praise famous men
and our fathers that begat us
such as did bear rule
in their kingdoms
men reknowned for their power
leaders of the people
by their council
and by their knowledge
such as found out
musical tune and
recited verses in writing
All these were honoured
in their generation
and for the glory of our times
but some there be
which have no memorial
who have perished as though
they have never been
Their bodies are
buried in peace
but their name liveth
forever more.

please let me know where the errors have crept in.....

Updated : Feb 19, 2011 : This piece has been adapted from chapter 44 from the Wisdom of Ben Sira and here's a youtube link - thanks Aharon for both.