Classic Poem

Now all was done—the funeral pyre
Was built and ready for the fire;
His wife—fast fell the tears from her—
Had bought the spices and the myrrh;
Bier, urn, and grave were ready too,
And bearers all in order due;
At the last gasp old Numa still
Had just the strength to sign his will
With me as heir—then back he fell—
And died? Oh no, he got quite well!