1. How many a fearful death has dethroned a king
And cast down one exalted in his pride!

2. Whose huge frame harbored but some rottenness;
Where are his beauty and his fair visage?

3. The worms have fed upon his once proud form
And wrought all features to decay's image;

4. Death levels all, both base and high; for lo!
The lowly now are like the great in state.