"ALL men think all men mortal but Themselves!" says Young. The case is put Extremely strong, and yet, in sooth, The statement scarce exceeds the truth That is to say, excepting those So very ill they can't suppose They've long to live, there's scarcely one But deems his earthly course will run (Despite some transient doubts and fears) Beyond his friend's of equal years. In proof how far such dreams prevail, Pray mark this old historic tale. A General, whose lengthened term Of life had found him quite infirm, Was questioned by his Majesty (Older, by several years, than he) About his place of burial. "Where," The King inquired with friendly care, "Pray tell me, would it please you best Your brave old honored bones should rest?" "Ah!" said the Soldier, "seldom I Have thought of death; but when I die, I'd have my grave not quite alone, But near to where they've placed your own!" | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE KNIGHT'S TOMB by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE THE JOURNEY by EMILY DICKINSON THE AIM WAS SONG by ROBERT FROST THE RUBAIYAT, 1879 EDITION: 24 by OMAR KHAYYAM PEREGRINUS by LASCELLES ABERCROMBIE |