I am the ancient wages of the soldiers march, The white rot of iron and the crumbling of the arch, I am the tears of the earth left behind by the tide, Where the thirsty find death with water on every side.

I am inevitable, and am certain as death, I've been told. I do not disparage the young or old, I take from all my share in gold.

I have a square base and rise to a single point, but I'm not a party hat. I was built by ancient hands, but I'm not a ruin in the traditional sense. I hold secrets within, but I'm not a diary. What am I?

Tom failed two thousand seven hundred seventy-four times trying to invent this. When you solve this riddle those looking at you may see this, especially if you are a cartoon character. If you seek a clue you will see the answer.

Japanese warriors carried it around Gentlemen do so too Made from wood or metal And it's used when you settle