Pebbles and Shells (Hawkes collection)/Asleep
ASLEEP
WRITTEN FOR OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
The bard was good, and Death it had no fears, So he was waiting but to fall asleep; His life had been so full and broad and deepWith all the rich experience of years,And he had seen so much of pomp and peers And stood so high upon achievements steep That what was left but just to fall asleep.They gathered round his bier in grief and tears,One placed a wreath upon his pulseless breast, One kissed the lips that never more would sing, Their tears, their flowers and all that love could bringWere proffered him e'er he was laid to rest; And while the nations honored him and wept The noble bard in sweet oblivion slept.