Bliss Carman, et al., eds. The World’s Best Poetry.
Volume III. Sorrow and Consolation. 1904. | | | | V. Death and Bereavement | | “Fear no more the heat o’ the sun” | | William Shakespeare (1564–1616) |
| | From “Cymbeline,” Act IV. Sc. 2. |
|
FEAR no more the heat o’ the sun, | |
| 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, | 5 |
| As chimney-sweepers, come to dust. | |
| |
| Fear no more the frown o’ the great, | |
| Thou art past the tyrant’s stroke; | |
| Care no more to clothe, and eat; | |
| To thee the reed is as the oak: | 10 |
| The sceptre, learning, physic, must | |
| All follow this and come to dust. | |
| |
| Fear no more the lightning flash | |
| Nor the all-dreaded thunder-stone; | |
| Fear not slander, censure rash; | 15 |
| Thou hast finished joy and moan: | |
| All lovers young, all lovers must | |
| Consign to thee, and come to dust. | | | |
|
|
|
