Poems (Piatt)/Volume 2/Requiescat
REQUIESCAT.
Lie still. You need not love nor gold Nor name, to make the sum complete.The world no living hand may hold Falls at a dead man's feet.
Lie still. You climbed for flowers, and found They grow not well in highest air.Lie still: the rock, the thorn, the wound Were yours;—you had your share.
Lie still. This is the end, they say. Lie still. The peasant and the king,A little weary, walk this way; The bride leaves here her ring.
Your virtues? Though the priest speak true, You need not blush—your face is hid.The roses life denied to you Are on your coffin lid.