Death's doings; consisting of numerous original compositions, in prose and verse, the friendly contributions of various writers; principally intended as illustrations of twenty four plates, designed and etched by R. Dagley / [Richard Dagley].

  • Dagley, Richard, -1841
Date:
1826
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Death's doings; consisting of numerous original compositions, in prose and verse, the friendly contributions of various writers; principally intended as illustrations of twenty four plates, designed and etched by R. Dagley / [Richard Dagley]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    424/450 (page 350)
    A little longer in this world of sorrow— But, stay—I’ll think again of this to-morrow; For strange, aye, “ passing strange” it doth ap- pear, That you, so often as you’ve call’d me here. Should, now I’m really come, shrink back thro’ fear. What if the tragi-comedy of Life Be ended, with its ever-shifting strife Of pain and want, of trouble and alarm. Of passion’s tumult—pleasure’s fitful harm— Can that be cause for grief—that make you moan ? Short-sighted mortals ! you should clap—not groan; Yes—were you wise, my presence you would hail; And not, like dolts, your hapless fate bewail: Instead of sitting there, to sob and sigh. Your plaudits, long and loud, would rend the sky, And “ Bravo, Death! bravissimo /” you’d cry. I know that all some “ grand excuse” may plead. Some worldly reason, or some urgent need, For tarrying longer on this earthly ball;— Indeed, there’s nothing new in that, at all. One has not yet an ample fortune made ; Another wishes just to change his trade;