Noblest bodies are but gilded clay:
Put away
—But the precious shining rind,
The inmost rottenness remains behind.
Kings, on earth though gods they be,
Yet in death are vile as we;
He, a thousands' king before,
Now is vassal unto more.
Vermin now insulting lie,
And dig for diamonds in each eye:
Whilst the sceptre-bearing hand
Cannot their inroads withstand.
Here doth one in odours wade
By the regal unction made,
—While another dares to gnaw
—On that tongue, his people's law.
Fools! ah, fools are we, who so contrive,
And do strive,
—In each gaudy ornament,
Who shall his corpse in the best dish present.

Noblest bodies are but gilded clay:
Put away
—But the precious shining rind,
The inmost rottenness remains behind.
Kings, on earth though gods they be,
Yet in death are vile as we;
He, a thousands' king before,
Now is vassal unto more.
Vermin now insulting lie,
And dig for diamonds in each eye:
Whilst the sceptre-bearing hand
Cannot their inroads withstand.
Here doth one in odours wade
By the regal unction made,
—While another dares to gnaw
—On that tongue, his people's law.
Fools! ah, fools are we, who so contrive,
And do strive,
—In each gaudy ornament,
Who shall his corpse in the best dish present.