English poem
X.--The Last Morning
by Robert Nichols (1893–1944)
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!