[561] De-genˊ-er-ate, having become worse than one’s kind; having lost in worth or goodness; degraded; mean.

[562] Tendˊ-en-cy, direction or course toward any place, effect, or result; desire.

LXXVI.—THE REAPER, DEATH.

LONGFELLOW.

1. There is a reaper, whose name is Death,

And, with his sickle keen,

He reaps the bearded grain at a breath,

And the flowers that grow between.

2. “Shall I have nought that is fair?” saith he;

“Have nought but the bearded grain?