Death, by interfering with his mind's perfection,

Itself gives security to restore life's treasure,

Freed from all impurity and in endless measure.

Thou, O Nature, knowest, yet no word is spoken.

Time, that ever flowest, presses on unbroken:

All in vain the sages toil with proof and question—

The immemorial ages give no least suggestion.


[ PASSING BY HELICON.]

My steps are turned away;