“ Weep with me all you that read1
This little story ;2
And know for whom a tear you shed3
Death’s self is sorry.4
’Twas a child that so did thrive5
In grace and feature,6
As Heaven and Nature seemed to strive7
Which owned the creature.8
Years he numbered scarce thirteen9
When fates turned cruel ;10
Yet three filled zodiacs had he been11
The stage’s jewel ;12
And did act, what now we moan,13
Old men so duly14
As, sooth, the Parcae thought him one15
He played so truly.16
So, by error, to his fate17
They all consented ;18
But viewing him since, alas, too late !19
They have repented ;20
And have sought, to give new birth,21
In baths to steep him ;22
But, being so much too good for earth,23
Heaven vows to keep him.”24