Mud thou art, to mould returnest,

Was not spoken as its dole.

With enjoyment and not sorrow

Welcome thee in loudest lay:

Ink to write, that each to-morrow

Finds it blacker than to-day.

Blots begone! Vile ink be fleeting!

Penman, be no more a slave!

Let all other inks go beating

Funeral marches to their grave!