Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry. 1904.
V. Death and Bereavement“Fear no more the heat o’ the sun”
William Shakespeare (1564–1616)From “Cymbeline,” Act IV. Sc. 2.
F
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages:
Golden lads and girls all must,
As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke;
Care no more to clothe, and eat;
To thee the reed is as the oak:
The sceptre, learning, physic, must
All follow this and come to dust.
Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan:
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.