The Worms' contempt

What do we earn for all our gentle grace?

A body stiff and cold from foot to face.

If you have beauty, what is beauty worth?

A mask to hide it, made of common earth.

What do we get for all our song and prattle?

A gasp for longer breath , and then a rattle.

What do we earn for dreams, and our high teaching?

The worms' contempt, that have no time for preaching.