X.— THE LAST MORNING

Come now, O Death,

While I am proud,

While joy and awe are breath,

And heart beats loud!

While all around me stand

Men that I love,

The wind blares aloud, the grand

Sun wheels above.

Naked I stand to-day

Before my doom,

Welcome what comes my way,

Whatever come.

What is there more to ask

Than that I have?—

Companions, love, a task,

And a deep grave!

Come then, Eternity,

If thou my lot;

Having been thus, I cannot be

As if I had not.

Naked I wait my doom!

Earth enough shroud!

Death, in thy narrow room

Man can lie proud!