Tho' their looks are lamentable,

And their outward man is sable,

Who on this side Charon's ferry

Are so blythe as those that bury?

Hark! hark! the Parish Clerk

Tunes his pitch-pipe for a lark!

As we gaily trip along

Booms the bell's deep, dull ding-dong!

Freaking, screaking, out of breath,

Thus we dance the Dance of Death!