DEATH

Sonnet altered from one written by an author unknown as a poeL

Death has for me less terror and less sting,

Since life with love I fondly hope I've won,

If I'm unlov'd then death in life's begun.

Nor wealth, nor fame can then joy to me bring.

I'll scarce dread death, e'en when I hear his wing.

When mute, Wind, deaf, the future dark, life's done.

Nor coffin, clay, nor worm, nor hidden sun.

Nor parting's pain, which then my heart will wring.

Ah ! 'tis not death, but loveless life I fear,

That's living death, 'tis worse than nothingness,

Tis the drear void of an existence lone

When death's my lot, will none then shed a tear ?

Ah ! where will those be whom I yearned to bless ?

Will only the sad breeze o'er my grave moan ?