| Edmund Clarence Stedman, ed. (1833–1908). An American Anthology, 1787–1900. 1900. |
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| 576. Mors Benefica |
| | | By Edmund Clarence Stedman |
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| GIVE me to die unwitting of the day, | |
| And stricken in Life’s brave heat, with senses clear: | |
| Not swathed and couched until the lines appear | |
| Of Death’s wan mask upon this withering clay, | |
| But as that old man eloquent made way | 5 |
| From Earth, a nation’s conclave hushed anear; | |
| Or as the chief whose fates, that he may hear | |
| The victory, one glorious moment stay. | |
| Or, if not thus, then with no cry in vain, | |
| No ministrant beside to ward and weep, | 10 |
| Hand upon helm I would my quittance gain | |
| In some wild turmoil of the waters deep, | |
| And sink content into a dreamless sleep | |
| (Spared grave and shroud) below the ancient main. | |
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