He gave away his Life --

He gave away his Life --
To Us -- Gigantic Sum --
A trifle -- in his estimate[^a1]own esteem --
But magnified -- by Fame

[^a1: estimate | estimate]

Until it burst the Hearts
That fancied they could hold --
When quick[^a2]swift it slipped it's limit --
And on the Heavens -- unrolled --

[^a2: quick | quick]

'Tis Ours -- to wince -- and weep --
And wonder -- and decay
By Blossoms common[^a3]gradual process --
He chose -- Maturity --

[^a3: common | common]

And ripening --[^a4]quickening -- as we sowed --
Just obviated Bud --
And when We turned to note the Growth --
Broke -- perfect -- from the Pod --

[^a4: ripening -- | ripening --]