Poem by George Darley

Lenimina Laborum. 53. Dirge

Sung by Mermen in the " Sea Bride." (M.S.)

Prayer unsaid, and mass unsung,
Deadman's dirge must still be rung:
Dingle-dong, the dead-bells sound!
Mermen chant his dirge around!

Wash him bloodless, smooth him fair,
Stretch his limbs, and sleek his hair:
Dingle-dong, the dead-bells go!
Mermen swing them to and fro!

In the wormless sands shall he
Feast for no foul gluttons be:
Dingle-dong, the dead-bells chime
Mermen keep the tone and time!

We must with a tombstone brave
Shut the shark out from his grave:
Dingle-dong, the dead-bells toll!
Mermen dirgers ring his knoll!

Such a slab will we lay o'er him
All the dead shall rise before him!
Dingle-dong, the dead-bells boom!
Mermen lay him in his tomb! 

1. Lenimina Laborum. 62. On the Picture of a Girl
2. Lenimina Laborum. 14. The Fair Warning
3. Lenimina Laborum. 41. Winter
4. Lenimina Laborum. 60. Zephyre among the Flowers
5. Lenimina Laborum. 7. To My Lyre

Print

1664 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version