Poem by William Schwenck Gilbert

Songs of a Savoyard. Is Life a Boon?

Is life a boon?
If so, it must befall
That Death, whene'er he call,
Must call too soon.
Though fourscore years he give
Yet one would pray to live
Another moon!
What kind of plaint have I,
Who perish in July?
I might have had to die
Perchance in June!

Is life a thorn?
Then count it not a whit!
Man is well done with it;
Soon as he's born
He should all means essay
To put the plague away;
And I, war-worn,
Poor captured fugitive,
My life most gladly give -
I might have had to live
Another morn! 

1. Songs of a Savoyard. Eheu Fugaces--!
2. Songs of a Savoyard. A Recipe
3. Songs of a Savoyard. Only Roses!
4. Songs of a Savoyard. They'll None of 'Em Be Missed
5. The Working Monarch

Print

1846 Views

Last Poems

To Russian version