AUTO-DA-FÉ.
See these violets, dusty tresses,
And this faded ribbon blue,
Long forgotten cherish’d trifles,
And these half-torn billets-doux,—
All, with angry look and gesture
In the blazing fire I throw;
Sadly crackle up these relics
Of my happiness and woe.
Vows of love, and fond deceiving
Broken oaths all upwards fly
In the chimney, while in secret
Cupid laughs maliciously.
Dreamily beside the fireplace
Sit I, while the sparkles bright
Glow in silence midst the ashes,—
So farewell! good night! good night!
LAZARUS.
1. THE WAY OF THE WORLD.
He who has already much,
Finds his wealth increasing faster;
Who but little, is of all
Soon bereft by some disaster.
But if thou hast nothing, friend,
Go and hang thyself this minute;
Only they who’ve aught on earth
Have a claim for living in it.