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 moments slide,

We shall 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;

Whilst thou pity'st my lot,

Secure fool, thou'st forgot

Thou art no more immortal than I!

H.B.A.

* * * * *

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 13, No. 353, January 24, 1829 · 第 40 / 54 题