38

Tell me this: what is thy share
In this world of pain and care?
Knowest thou the spirit’s smart?
Hast thou an uncaseful heart?

Of such bitter tears that well
From the eve, what canst thou tell?
See, thy rose’s petals hold
Dewy pearls of price untold

Or the soul, that numbereth
Life departing at each breath,
Borrowed spirit, grief of time–
Shall I speak thee in rhyme?