Thy frugal meal is often drawn

From earth, and wood, and stone;

And when thy means by these are gone,

Thou seem'st to live on none.

I hear that in an earthen jar

Sealed close, shut up alive,

From food, drink, air, sun, moon and star,

Thou'lt live and even thrive:—

And that no moan, or murmuring sound

Will issue from the lid