378
DON JUAN.
[CANTO IX.
XIII.
And thus Death laughs,—it is sad merriment,
But still it is so; and with such example
Why should not Life be equally content
With his Superior, in a smile to trample
Upon the nothings which are daily spent
Like bubbles on an Ocean much less ample
Than the Eternal Deluge, which devours
Suns as rays—worlds like atoms—years like hours?
And thus Death laughs,—it is sad merriment,
But still it is so; and with such example
Why should not Life be equally content
With his Superior, in a smile to trample
Upon the nothings which are daily spent
Like bubbles on an Ocean much less ample
Than the Eternal Deluge, which devours
Suns as rays—worlds like atoms—years like hours?
XIV.
"To be, or not to be? that is the question,"
Says Shakespeare,[D 1] who just now is much in fashion.
I am neither Alexander nor Hephæstion,
Nor ever had for abstract fame much passion;
But would much rather have a sound digestion
Than Buonaparte's cancer:—could I dash on
Through fifty victories to shame or fame—
Without a stomach what were a good name?
"To be, or not to be? that is the question,"
Says Shakespeare,[D 1] who just now is much in fashion.
I am neither Alexander nor Hephæstion,
Nor ever had for abstract fame much passion;
But would much rather have a sound digestion
Than Buonaparte's cancer:—could I dash on
Through fifty victories to shame or fame—
Without a stomach what were a good name?
XV.
"O dura ilia messorum!"[D 2]—"Oh
Ye rigid guts of reapers!" I translate[R 2]
For the great benefit of those who know
What indigestion is—that inward fate
Which makes all Styx through one small liver flow.
A peasant's sweat is worth his lord's estate:
Let this one toil for bread—that rack for rent,
He who sleeps best may be the most content.
"O dura ilia messorum!"[D 2]—"Oh
Ye rigid guts of reapers!" I translate[R 2]
For the great benefit of those who know
What indigestion is—that inward fate
Which makes all Styx through one small liver flow.
A peasant's sweat is worth his lord's estate:
Let this one toil for bread—that rack for rent,
He who sleeps best may be the most content.
XVI.
"To be, or not to be?"—Ere I decide,
I should be glad to know that which is being,
'T is true we speculate both far and wide,
And deem, because we see, we are all-seeing:
"To be, or not to be?"—Ere I decide,
I should be glad to know that which is being,
'T is true we speculate both far and wide,
And deem, because we see, we are all-seeing:
