531. C. M. Heber.
Universal Warning of Death.
1Beneath our feet and o'er our head
Is equal warning given:
Beneath us lie the countless dead,
Above us is the heaven!
2Their names are graven on the stone,
Their bones are in the clay;
And ere another day is done,
Ourselves may be as they.
3Our eyes have seen the rosy light
Of youth's soft cheek decay,
And fate descend in sudden night
On manhood's middle day.
4Our eyes have seen the steps of age
Halt feebly towards the tomb;
And yet shall earth our hearts engage,
And dreams of days to come?
5Death rides on every passing breeze,
He lurks in every flower;
Each season has its own disease,
Its peril every hour.