The tomb

When Heaven and my appointed time

decide that I should die

and be carried off from the fair abode

of common daylight,

I forbid that marble

be cut for the pompous purpose

of having my tomb

built more beautiful.

I wish rather that a tree

might shade me instead of marble -

a tree that would be always

covered in green foliage.

From my body may the earth

bring forth an ivy-plant

embracing me all round

with many turns;

and may the twisty vine

embellish my burial-place,

creating in all directions

extended shade.