12. Though long and mournful must it be, And almost deem the sentence sweet. 13. Still, had I loved thee less, my heart LINES INSCRIBED UPON A CUP FORMED FROM A SKULL. 1. START not-nor deem my spirit fled: In me behold the only skull, From which, unlike a living head, Whatever flows is never dull. 2. I lived, I loved, I quaff'd, like thee; 3. Better to hold the sparkling grape, Than nurse the earth-worm's slimy brood; And circle in the goblet's shape The drink of Gods, than reptile's food. 4. Where once my wit, perchance, hath shone, In aid of others' let me shine; And when, alas! our brains are gone, What nobler substitute than wine! 5. Quaff while thou canst another race, 6. Why not? since through life's little day Our heads such sad effects produce; Redeem'd from worms and wasting clay, This chance is theirs, to be of use. Newstead Abbey, 1808. ON THE DEATH OF SIR PETER PARKER, BART. 1. THERE is a tear for all that die, A mourner o'er the humblest grave; 2. For them is Sorrow's purest sigh All earth becomes their monument! 3. A tomb is theirs on every page, 4. For them the voice of festal mirth Grows hush'd, their name the only sound; While deep Remembrance pours to Worth The goblet's tributary round. 5. A theme to crowds that knew them not, Who would not share their glorious lot? 6. And, gallant Parker! thus enshrined Thy life, thy fall, thy fame shall be; And early valour, glowing, find 7. But there are breasts that bleed with thee In woe, that glory cannot quell; And shuddering hear of victory, Where one so dear, so dauntless, fell. 8. Where shall they turn to mourn thee less? When cease to hear thy cherish'd name? Time cannot teach forgetfulness, While Grief's full heart is fed by Fame. 9. Alas! for them, though not for thee, Who ne'er gave cause to mourn before. |