University of Virginia Library

OUTLIVED

Not alone the trembling stars
Glimmering through their cloudy bars;
Not alone yon mountain height
Firm in adamantine might;
Not alone the rolling seas
Dread with awful mysteries;
Nor the green earth, lying fair
Under smiling depths of air;
Nor the lofty towers that man,
Strong to do and wise to plan,
Hath reared proudly, stone by stone,
To the heavens—not these alone
Have outlived thee, thou whose dust
Earth hath held in sacred trust,
While a century hath shed
Countless blooms above thy head.
Thou art dust, but toys remain
Fragile as a daisy-chain;
Trifles light as thistle-down
Or the dandelion's crown!
Here's the cup that held your wine,
Frail and flower-like, thin and fine;
Here's the beaker whose slight rim
Reddened when you kissed the brim;
Here's the glass that held your face
Mirrored in its curving grace;
Linen wrought with dainty care;
Laces delicate as air;
Letters where your name is set,
Holding subtle fragrance yet;—
Thou art dust, while toys remain
Fragile as a daisy-chain!