[Gutenberg 30391] • Betelguese / A Trip Through Hell

Jean Louis De Esque wrote this lyric poem in 1908. The work begins with a short poem entitled When I am Gone. oWHEN I AM GONE What good is Fame when I am dead and gone, When in immarcescible regions My temple rots and soul doth storm and mourn As bones of mine adorn an early grave? Who'll hear and know that I worked hard and long, That twin sighs and tears storm'd me by legions, My life, a sunless one bleak and forlorn. No ray of light whilst I in thralldom slave? What good is Fame when I am dead and gone, When in fenowed abyss', stark and cold, I wend my solemn footsteps and atone, Whilst Fame my brow doth crown with its renown? Who know that heart and soul bled on and on, That storm-swept aches and woes were mine untold, My life a waste, from which there stole a moan, No Aureole whilst I in sorrow drown? What good is Fame when I am dead and gone, When far and wide my praise is heard and sung, WHEN I AM GONE And busts and marble-heads my deeds unfurl To multitudes that knew me not in flesh? Not when I'm gone care I for Renown's dawn, Now, whilst I labour at Fame's lowest rung, Let me reap dame Approval's brightest pearl And sip its olpe as I my battles thresh.o