Darwin’s Curse

Atalanta and Hippomenes

The noble stag, adorned by Nature’s crown

Walks before the timid doe:

His is higher the renown,

Yet judged by one who’s rather plain-

One whose own ability is low

By selection’s power turned so vain.

 

Though numbing right is sought by all,

The runner’s bettered by the race

While idle judge behind will fall.

To glory through action rise-

So Atalanta joined the chase;

The winner’s greater than the prize.