Classic Poem

Treize a table

Heavens above! at table we're thirteen;
Look, the salt before me hath been spilled;
Fatal number, ominous, I ween!
Death's at hand; with horror am I chilled!
See, she comes! a goddess, sprite, or fay?
What! in smiles, with youthful charms displayed —
Sing your songs, and be your chorus gay:
Friends, of Death no longer I'm afraid!

Though a bidden guest she seem to be,
Though a garland round her brow may twine,
I alone can see her; 'tis for me
O'er her head the rainbow colors shine
Now she points to fetters that are burst;
At her breast asleep a babe is laid —
Drained my cup is; quench me, then, its thirst:
Friends, of Death no longer I'm afraid!

" Look! " she cries, " a daughter of the sky,
Hope my sister, wouldst thou quail at me?
Tell me, can the slave with right deny
Thanks, if set from chain and tyrant free?
Fallen angel, stripped by Fate below,
I with wings will have thee re-arrayed! "
Kiss us, Beauty! we'll ecstatic grow:
Friends, of Death no longer I'm afraid!

" I'll return; thy spirit, " she pursued,
" Shall o'erleap all worlds that float sublime,
Azure space, and flaming orbits strewed —
God ordained them — in the path of Time
Fear not now to taste of harmless joy,
Whilst thy spirit in the yoke is stayed " —
Fleeting life in pleasure let's employ:
Friends, of Death no longer I'm afraid!

'Twas a vision — 'tis all past away;
At the threshold howled a dog — she fled:
Ah! 'tis vain recoiling in dismay;
Mortal foot the icy grave must tread
Joyous crew, then, on the stream of Fate
Launch the skiff; our port shall soon be made —
Heaven hath numbered us — thirteen let's wait:
Friends, of Death no longer I'm afraid!