The World’s Wit and Humor: An Encyclopedia in 15 Volumes. 1906.
Alexis Piron (16891773)Three Epitaphs on Himself
Rugged, hard, and void of rule;
Clear I saw, and yet was blind,
I was wise and yet a fool.
Slowly to the hole I’ve got
Which nor fool nor sage can fly,
To travel—whither I know not.
So good luck, Piron, and good-by!
Wayfaring friend, who fain wouldst know from me
What erst I was. I nothing chose to be;
My life a blank. Sure, I was well discerning;
For he shows monstrous folly after all,
Who, sprung from naught, and soon to naught returning,
Longs to be something in the interval.
His unregarded grave here Piron has,
Who naught, not e’en Academician, was.