Out of the earth we came,
Into the earth we go:
Our aim leaped high like flame,
But Time has brought us low.

Under the clustered trees
Dreams we dreamt a score;
By headlands of splendid seas
We ravaged and sung and swore.

Amid the cities of men
We thrilled to Life's various quest;
Very far from us then
The thought that slumber is best.

Sun and moon and stars
Lighted us on our way:
Happy, we took the scars,
Happy, we earned our pay.

Light-foot creatures were we,
Each bent on his own device;
Love or war, par-die,
At the throw of the loaded dice.

One thing, only one,
Utterly passed us by:
That when our day was done
We must cease, O mates, and die!

But out of the earth we come,
And into the earth we go;
Our shame alike with our fame,
Old Time has laid them low.