Elegy - Mephisto Walz

The curfew tolls the knell of parting day

The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea

The plowman home plods his weary way

Leaving the world and darkness to me

Now fades the glimmering landscape

All the air a solemn stillness holds

Save where the beatle wheels his droning flight

And drowsy tinklings lull the distant folds

He clasps the crag with crooked hands

Close to the sun in lonely lands

He watches from his mountain walls

Ringed with the azure world he stands

Many a gem of purest ray serene

Dark unfathomed caves of ocean bare

Many a flower is born to blush unseen

And waste it’s sweetness on the desert air

Soaring where the ivy-mantled tower

The moping owl does to the moon complain

Wandering near the secret bower

Molests the ancient solitary reign

The boast of song the push of power

The beauty all that wealth ever gave

Awaits alike the endless hour

Paths of glory lead but to the grave

Yet even bones from insult to protect

A frail memorial still sitting high

Uncouth rhymes and shapeless sculpture decked

Implores the passing tribute of a sigh