How know the mountains what to say In divine reply - or why. What brings the smile To that Vesuvian face? Why does the valley glow? What secrets does death - Preferable to sleep - Guard? Of what jealous eye falls - At whom points the emphatic thumb? Who is the dreaded foe, and why? And if she "may" How can it "must" Unless she wills it so - Unless it's God But is not sure . But wishes it were so. Having invented death Does kill but never dies. And who are they who hurt the doe? The rich, the moneyed class. For him, she speaks. Why "for", not "to" - Or "with" And what is it she says? How do the mountains know what to say In divine reply - or why? What brings the smile To that Vesuvian face Why does the valley glow? What secrets does death Preferable to sleep guard? On whom does the jealous eye fall? On whom points the ephatic thumb? Who is the dreaded foe and why? And if she "may" How can she "must" Unless she wills it so, Unless it's God! But is not sure But wishes it and Having invented death Does kill but never dies.