Then world, farewel; farewel life's fond desires,
False flattering hopes, and love's tormenting fires.
Already, Death, before my closing eyes
Thy airy forms and glimmering shades arise.
Hark! hear I not for me yon' passing bell
Toll forth, with frequent pause, its sullen knell?
Waits not for me yon' sexton on his spade,
Blythe whistling o'er the grave his toil has made?
Say, why in lengthened pomp yon' sable train,
With measur'd steps, slow, stalk along the plain?
Say, why yon' hearse with fading flowers is crown'd,
And midnight gales the deep-mouth'd dirge resound?
Hail, sister worms, and thou my kindred dust,
Secure to you my weary limbs I trust.
Dim burns life's lamp; O Death, thy work compleat,
And give my soul to gain her last retreat.
Such as before the birth of Nature sway'd,
Ere springing light the first great word obey'd,
Let silence reign — come, Fate, exert thy might;
And darkness wrap me in eternal night.