Death And The Fool

Here is a tale for any man or woman: A fool sought Death; and braved him with his bauble Among the graves. At last he heard a hobble, And something passed him, monstrous, super-human. And by a tomb, that reared a broken column, He heard it stop. And then Gargantuan laughter Shattered the hush. Deep silence followed after, Filled with the stir of bones, cadaverous, solemn. Then said the fool:'Come! show thyself, old prancer! I'll have a bout with thee. I, too, can clatter My wand and motley. Come now! Death and Folly, See who's the better man.' There was no answer; Only his bauble broke; a serious matter To the poor fool who died of melancholy.