Two Epitaphs.
[The following can be read by a class in concert, or by two sections of a class. It is a fine exercise in transition from soft to loud Force, slow to quick Time, low to high Pitch, minor to major Inflection.]
I.
“Think of Death!” the grave-stones say,—
“Peace to Life’s mad striving!”
II.
But the church-yard daisies,—“Nay,
Think of Living!”
“Think of Life!” the sunbeams say,
O’er the dial flying;
I.
But the slanting shadows,—“Nay,
Think of Dying!”
“Think of Death!” the night birds say,
On the storm-blast driving;
II.
But the building swallows,—“Nay,
Think of Living!”
“Think of Life!” the broad winds say,
Through the old trees sighing;
I.
But the whirling leaf-dance,—“Nay,
Think of Dying!”
“Think of Death!” the sad bells say,
Fateful record giving;
II.
Clash the merry Yule-peal,—“Nay,
Think of Living!”
Concert. Dying, Living, glad or loath,
On God’s Rood relying;
Pray He fit us all for both—
Living, Dying!
From the German.