Ghastly, ghoulish, grinning skull,Toothless, eyeless, hollow, dull,Why your smirk and empty smileAs the hours away you wile?Has the earth become such boreThat it pleases nevermore?Whence your joy through sun and rain?Is ’t because of loss of pain?Have you learned what men learn notThat earth’s substance turns to rot?After learning now you scanVain endeavors man by man?Do you mind that you as theyOnce was held by mystic sway;Dreamed and struggled, hoped and prayed,Lolled and with the minutes played?Sighed for honors; battles planned;Sipped of cups that wisdom bannedBut would please the weak fra