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. 35. Departing Music
2. Lenimina Laborum. 43. On a Fountain
3. Lenimina Laborum. 22. On the Death of a Young Girl
4. Lenimina Laborum. 18. The Cross-Examination
5. Lenimina Laborum. 55. Deep in the ocean's thundering wave

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