Life's Emblem

Upon that storied marble cast thine eye

The scene commands a moralizing sigh

Eýen in Areardias blessed Elysium plains

Amidst the laughing nymphs and sparkling flames

Lifeýs emblem here, in youth and vernal bloom

But reasons finger pointing at theý

See festal joy subside, with melting grace

And pity visit the half smiling face

Where now the dance, the hate, the nuptial feast

The passion throbbing in the loverýs breast

Lifeýs emblem here, in youth and vernal bloom

But reasonýs finger pointing at the tomb!

Man: So say me noble stranger, what brings you here

this night?

Death: I have come to release you from the bitter taste

of life

Man: Why me? Why now? It cannot be my time

Death: Everything that falls to the ground is mine!

Upon that storied marble cast thine eye

The scene commands a moralizing sigh

Eýen in Areardias blessed Elysium plains

Amidst the laughing nymphs and sparkling flames

See festal joy subside, with melting grace

And pity visit the half smiling face

Where now the dance, the hate, the nuptial feast

The passion throbbing in the loverýs breast

Lifeýs emblem here, in youth and vernal bloom

But reasonýs finger pointing at theý

See festal joy subside, with melting grace

And pity visit the half smiling face

Where now the dance, the hate, the nuptial feast

The passion throbbing in the loverýs breast

Lifeýs emblem here, in youth and vernal bloom

But reasonýs finger pointing at the tomb!

Man: But in youth am I still, and in flesh am I strong

Death: And I have a disease for every sin that you have

done

Man: But Iýve done nothing wrong, nothing bad or

untrue

Death: Neither God or Devil agrees with you!