i sigh at day-dream, and i sigh
when the dull day is passing by.
i sigh at evening, and again
i sigh when night brings sleep to men.
oh! it were far better to die
than thus forever mourn and sigh,
and in death's dreamless sleep to be
unconscious that none weep for me;
eased from my weight of heaviness,
forgetful of forgetfulness,
resting from care and pain and sorrow
thro' the long night that knows no morrow;
living unloved, to die unknown,
unwept, untended, and alone.
- sappho