Careful Words

splendid (adj.)

  Man is a noble animal, splendid in ashes and pompous in the grave.

Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682): Dedication to Urn-Burial. Chap. v.

By Heaven! it is a splendid sight to see

For one who hath no friend, no brother there.

Lord Byron 1788-1824: Childe Harold's Pilgrimage. Canto i. Stanza 40.