Of life's sweets I've freely drunk,
Of its wormwood even more.
Now to earth farewell I cry--
Weak and faint, I long to die.

Go and dig a grave for me
All life's pleasures now are past;
Memories of the joys that were
Darker shadows round me cast.
Through death's portals I will fly
Far to peaceful worlds on high.

Go and dig a grave for me,
Though my dwelling will be dark;
Needs not for this mortal frame
Stone or sign its place to mark.
There 'twill rest till stars shall fall
At the last great trumpet call.

Go and dig a grave for me,
Broken is my life's frail thread;
Hasten, dig for me a grave,
Draweth near the stranger dread.
Low, ay low my head be bent,
Till the heavens in twain are rent.

Go and dig a grave for me,
I can stay no longer here,
Fare you well--my weak heart faints
'Neath the dark king's fatal spear.