Page:The poetical works of Matthew Arnold, 1897.djvu/498

460 Then some, who through this garden pass,

When we too, like thyself, are clay,

Shall see thy grave upon the grass,

And stop before the stone, and say:

People who lived here long ago

Did by this stone, it seems, intend

To name for future times to know

The dachs-hound, Geist, their little friend.

POOR MATTHIAS.

!—Found him lying

Fall'n beneath his perch and dying?

Found him stiff, you say, though warm—

All convulsed his little form?

Poor canary! many a year

Well he knew his mistress dear;

Now in vain you call his name,

Vainly raise his rigid frame,

Vainly warm him in your breast,

Vainly kiss his golden crest,

Smooth his ruffled plumage fine,

Touch his trembling beak with wine.

One more gasp—it is the end!

Dead and mute our tiny friend!

—Songster thou of many a year,

Now thy mistress brings thee here,

Says, it fits that I rehearse,

Tribute due to thee, a verse,

Meed for daily song of yore

Silent now for evermore.