George Darley

Lenimina Laborum. 12. Memento Mori

Inscribed on a Tombstone

When you look on my grave
And behold how they wave,—
The cypress, the yew, and the willow;
You think 'tis the breeze
That gives motion to these,—
'Tis the laughter that's shaking my pillow!

I must laugh when I see
A poor insect like thee
Dare to pity the fate thou must own;
Let a few seasons glide,
We may lie side by side,
And crumble to dust, bone for bone.

Go weep thine own doom!
Thou wert born for the tomb,
Thou hast lived, like myself, but to die;
When thou pity'st my lot
Secure fool! thou'st forgot
Thou art no more immortal than I!