| Jessie B. Rittenhouse, ed. (1869–1948). The Second Book of Modern Verse. 1922. |
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| The Kings are passing Deathward |
| | | David Morton |
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| THE KINGS are passing deathward in the dark | |
| Of days that had been splendid where they went; | |
| Their crowns are captive and their courts are stark | |
| Of purples that are ruinous, now, and rent. | |
| For all that they have seen disastrous things: | 5 |
| The shattered pomp, the split and shaken throne, | |
| They cannot quite forget the way of Kings: | |
| Gravely they pass, majestic and alone. | |
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| With thunder on their brows, their faces set | |
| Toward the eternal night of restless shapes, | 10 |
| They walk in awful splendor, regal yet, | |
| Wearing their crimes like rich and kingly capes … | |
| Curse them or taunt, they will not hear or see; | |
| The Kings are passing deathward: let them be. | |
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