O father! I will lave thy tomb
With tear-drops well becoming me;
Thy tomb with flowery herbs perfume—
How brief the roses be!
EPIGRAMS.
From the Persian.
1.
Hear what once the pigmy clever
To the stupid giant said:
Things are not of highest value
Which do highest rear their head;
The sluggish horse is nothing better
Than the donkey lowest bred.
2.
The man who of his words is sparing
His strength and weakness hidden keeps;
Think not every thicket empty,
Perchance in one a tiger sleeps.
3.
If thou would’st ruin ’scape, and blackest woe,
Unto these words, these precious words attend:
Never be heedless of a mortal foe,
Nor choose a proud and envious man for friend.
4.
Sit down with your friends in delightful repose
When war and contention you see ’midst your foes;
But when to an end their contentions they bring,
Then, then seize the bow, and get ready the sling.