F all the time-worn customs, That from Pagan times we have;Of all the quaint devices, That linger round the grave;Of all the strange observances That superstition breeds,The strangest seems, that with the dead Were buried these glass beads—
UNWEPT TEARS.(A Pagan custom to put glass tears in the sepulchres of the dead as an offering.)
F all the time-worn customs, That from Pagan times we have;Of all the quaint devices, That linger round the grave;Of all the strange observances That superstition breeds,The strangest seems, that with the dead Were buried these glass beads—Now found—how strange! in ages fled, These mockeries sad of grief,Glass tears were holy offerings made, To bring the heart relief.Quaint tribute this! to the long-loved, The worshipped and the wept;Close by their hearts these unshed tears Religiously were kept.
Not only gauds and gems were hid In those dark realms of rest:But favourite trinkets worn in life, Their owners' pride attest.But now unsealed those sepulchres, Profaned by careless tread,—Are rifled of the spoils that were Once sacred to the dead;
And e'en glass tears that could not dry! Would'st thou the farce complete?Go to the Antiquary—buy A string for an amulet!
Rome, 1860.