How sweet is Life, how beautiful,
   When lying curled in innocent sleep!
Without one thought that, soon or late,
   Death will unbend that graceful curve
And stretch him out, all stiff and straight.

Go, happy Life, and say to Death -
   'I gave this man sufficient joy
To last him for a thousand years.'
   Then ask him why my time's as short
As one whose breath is full of tears.