“Epitaph” by Lascelles Abercrombie

Sir, you shall notice me: I am the Man;

I am Good Fortune: I am satisfied.

All I desired, more than I could desire,

I have: everything has gone right with me.

Life was a hiding-place that played me false;

I croucht ashamed, and still was seen and scorned:

But now I am not seen. I was a fool,

And now I know what wisdom dare not know:

For I know Nothing. I was a slave, and now

I have ungoverned freedom and the wealth

That cannot be conceived: for I have Nothing.

I lookt for beauty and I longed for rest,

And now I have perfection: nay, I am

Perfection: I am nothing, I am dead.